| Chris Flexen | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Flexen with theNew York Mets in 2017 | |
| Chicago Cubs | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1994-07-01)July 1, 1994 (age 30) Newark, California, U.S. | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
| Professional debut | |
| MLB: July 27, 2017, for the New York Mets | |
| KBO: May 7, 2020, for the Doosan Bears | |
| MLB statistics (through 2024 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 30–49 |
| Earned run average | 4.95 |
| Strikeouts | 466 |
| KBO statistics (through 2020 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 8–4 |
| Earned run average | 3.01 |
| Strikeouts | 132 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Christopher John Flexen (born July 1, 1994) is an American professionalbaseballpitcher in theChicago Cubs organization. He has previously played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theNew York Mets,Seattle Mariners,Colorado Rockies, andChicago White Sox, and in theKBO League for theDoosan Bears.
Flexen attendedNewark Memorial High School inNewark, California where he was thequarterback of the school'sfootball team and made the varsity baseball team as a freshman. His outstanding ability in two sports led to him earning his nickname "Flex.” Flexen initially committed to playcollege baseball for theArizona State Sun Devils but was drafted in the 14th round of the2012 Major League Baseball draft by theNew York Mets and was lured away from his commitment by a $375,000signing bonus.[1]
Flexen spent 2012 with theKingsport Mets, where he posted a 1–3win–loss record with a 5.63earned run average (ERA) in seven games. Flexen returned to Kingsport for the 2013 season, where he was 8–1 with a 2.09 ERA in 11 starts. In 2014, Flexen played for theSavannah Sand Gnats, where he was 3–5 with a 4.83 ERA in 13 starts.[2] Flexen underwentTommy John surgery in 2014.[1] Flexen spent 2015 with Savannah, theBrooklyn Cyclones, and theGCL Mets, where he posted a combined 2.42 ERA in 12 games between the three clubs. In 2016, he pitched for theSt. Lucie Mets where he was 10–9 with a 3.56 ERA in 25 starts. The Mets added him to their 40-man roster after the 2016 season.[3] Flexen started 2017 with St. Lucie, and after posting a 2.13 ERA there while striking out over a batter per inning in three starts, he was called up to theBinghamton Rumble Ponies on May 31.[4]
Flexen made his MLB debut on July 27, 2017, against theSan Diego Padres atPetco Park.[5] He gave up 4 runs on 5 hits in the start. He also became the fifth Mets player in franchise history to give up a home run to the first batter he faced in the Major Leagues after allowing one toManuel Margot on only his third pitch.[6] On August 8, 2017, Flexen recorded his first major league win against theTexas Rangers atCiti Field, pitching5+1⁄3 innings, allowing three earned runs and striking out four batters.[7]
MLB.com ranked Flexen as New York's ninth-best prospect going into the 2018 season.[8] On May 19, Flexen, who started the season in thePacific Coast League, was promoted to the Mets.[9] He made only four appearances for the big league club, including one start, struggling to a 12.79 ERA and 3.16 WHIP over those outings. He underwent knee surgery in early August, ending his 2018 season.
Flexen was designated for assignment on December 6, 2019,[10] and on the next day, it was announced that Flexen signed a one-year contract withKBO'sDoosan Bears, the reigningKorean Series champion.[11] Flexen pitched to a 3.01 ERA with 10.2 K/9 for the Bears in 2020.
On December 9, 2020, Flexen signed a two-year, $4.75 million contract with theSeattle Mariners.[12] Flexen made thestarting rotation to start the 2021 season[13] and made his first start of the year on April 3 against theSan Francisco Giants.[14] He pitched five scoreless innings, allowed four hits and two walks, struck out six batters, and was credited with the win.[15] His 2021 season with Seattle represented a marked improvement from his past performances in MLB. Among qualified American League pitchers that year, he finished in the top 10 in ERA (3.61), wins (14), ERA+ (111), Fielding Independent Pitching (3.89), and games started (31).[16] He also recorded the most starts of 7 innings pitched with 1 earned run or fewer allowed among all AL pitchers.[16] Over the course of the 2021 season, he attempted pickoffs at first base 141 times, more than any other major league pitcher, and picked off three runners.[17]
Flexen began the 2022 season as a starter, before transitioning to arelief pitcher later in the year. On August 30, 2022, Flexen recorded his first careersave after allowing three runs on five hits in a 9–3 victory over theDetroit Tigers.[18] He finished the season making 33 appearances and registering an 8–9 record and 3.73 ERA with 95 strikeouts and 2 saves in137+2⁄3 innings pitched.
In 2023, Flexen made 17 appearances for Seattle (including 4 starts), and struggled to an 0–4 record and 7.71 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 42 innings pitched. On June 27, 2023, Flexen wasdesignated for assignment by the Mariners.[19]
On July 3, the Mariners traded Flexen andTrevor Gott to theNew York Mets in exchange forZach Muckenhirn. The Mets designated Flexen for assignment after the deal was made official without making an appearance with the team.[20] He was released by the team on July 6.[21]
On July 13, 2023, Flexen signed a minor league contract with theColorado Rockies organization.[22] After two starts for the Triple–AAlbuquerque Isotopes, Flexen had his contract selected to Colorado's major league roster on July 29.[23] Over 12 starts, Flexen pitched to a 2–4 record with a 6.27 ERA and 45 strikeouts in60+1⁄3 innings pitched. He declared free agency on November 2, 2023.
On December 30, 2023, Flexen signed a one-year, $1.75 million contract withChicago White Sox.[24] In 33 appearances (30 starts) for the White Sox during the 2024 campaign, Flexen compiled a 3-15 record and 4.95 ERA with 123 strikeouts across 160 innings pitched.[25]
On February 17, 2025, Flexen signed a minor league contract with theChicago Cubs.[26]