SEATTLE -- Right-hander Chris Flexen and the Seattle Mariners agreed to a $4.75 million, two-year contract on Friday.
The 26-year-old gets a $600,000 signing bonus, a $1.4 million salary next season and a $2.75 million salary in 2021. The deal includes an $8 million option for 2022 that would become guaranteed if he pitches in 150 innings next season or 300 innings in 2021 and '22 combined, or has 35 games finished in 2021 or 65 in 2021 and '22 combined.
He was 8-4 with a 4.01 ERA last season with the Doosan Bears in South Korea, striking out 132 and walking 30 in 21 starts. He had a 1.91 ERA over 28 1/3 innings in the postseason as a starter and reliever. Flexen was 3-11 with an 8.07 ERA in 11 starts and 16 relief appearances with the New York Mets from 2017-19. He was 43-31 with a 3.61 in eight minor league seasons with the Mets.
"We believe Chris is a terrific addition to our pitching staff," Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said. "His maturation as a pitcher and impressive on-field performance in 2020 were both significant. At age 26, he's a natural fit as we continue to grow our young core."
Seattle opened a roster spot by designating infielder/outfielder Tim Lopes for assignment.
