Chris Flexen could earn $1 million in bonuses for innings as part of White Sox contract

CHICAGO - Chris Flexen could boost his earnings by $1 million to $2.75 million with the Chicago White Sox this year if he pitches 160 or more innings.

The 29-year-old right-hander is guaranteed $1.75 million as part of the one-year contract the team announced Saturday.

He would earn $250,000 each for 75, 100, 125 and 160 innings. He has reached 160 innings just once in his big league career, pitching 179 2/3 in 2021.

Flexen played for Seattle and Colorado last season, going 2-8 with a 6.86 ERA in 102 1/3 innings over 16 starts and 13 relief appearances. He is 27-34 with a 4.95 ERA in 120 major league starts and 40 relief appearances.

Flexen had an $8 million salary last season. He was designated for assignment by Seattle on June 27 and then traded to the New York Mets, who designated him for assignment. Flexen signed a minor league deal with Colorado and was called up from Triple-A Albuquerque on July 29. He went 2-4 with a 6.27 ERA in 12 starts for the Rockies.

Flexen had his best season with Seattle in 2021, going 14-6 with a 3.61 ERA in 31 starts.

As part of the deal, he can't be assigned to the minor leagues without his consent. He would get a $100,000 bonus for winning a Cy Young Award, $90,000 for finishing second in the voting, $80,000 for third, $70,000 for fourth and $60,000 for fifth. He would get $25,000 if voted to the All-Star Game by fellow players and $15,000 if selected. He also would get $100,000 for World Series MVP, $75,000 for League Championship Series MVP, $50,000 for making The Sporting News All-Star team and $25,000 for winning a Gold Glove.