Boardwalk Empire - 2049.12 - Flores Extension

[Joshua Biddle]

Gamblers, Ace Carlos Flores Agree to Extension

After checking off their first priority - signing right fielder José Romero to a long-term extension - the Gamblers checked off their second priority shortly thereafter. The Gamblers agreed to a six-year, $102 million contract extension with southpaw ace Carlos Flores, reaching an agreement that will keep Flores in Atlantic City through the 2056 season.

Flores, 28, was drafted with the 2nd pick in the supplemental 2nd round (76th overall) in the 2039 BBA Amateur Draft. Flores is coming off of a career year during the 2048 season, finishing the season 17-2 with a 1.78 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 2.36 FIP, a .169 opponents' average, a .516 opponents' OPS, 285 strikeouts, and a 7.9 WAR in 207 1/3 innings pitched (33 starts). Flores won the triple crown, leading the Johnson League in wins, ERA, and strikeouts; and also led the Johnson League in WHIP, home runs per nine innings, strikeouts per nine innings, and WAR. His performance resulted in winning the 2048 BBA JL Steve Nebraska Golden Arm Award.

Flores started his career with the Gamblers out of spring training for the 2043 season, spending two seasons as the Gamblers' closer, converting 65 of 77 save opportunities (.844 success rate) over two seasons while recording a 17-9 record, a 2.77 ERA, a 0.90 WHIP, 185 strikeouts, and a 3.8 WAR in 136 1/3 innings pitched (118 appearances). He had a successful first season as a starter, finishing the 2045 season 17-7 with a 3.03 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, a 2.69 FIP, a .215 opponents' average, a .624 opponents' OPS, 270 strikeouts, and a 7.4 WAR in 187 1/3 innings pitched (31 starts). Over the course of the next two seasons, Flores' ERA increased to 4.00+ (4.18 in 2046, 4.06 in 2047), although his FIP numbers were more respectable (3.40 in 2046 and 3.27 in 2047). The FIP numbers proved to be the more accurate as he followed up his 2047 season with his dazzling 2048 performance.

Flores insisted on a no trade clause and informed management that he wouldn't consider the contract he ultimately signed without it. The clubhouse atmosphere / atmosphere around the entire organization has been remarkably positive after years of disappointment, and Flores was interested in being around to savor every moment. "I'm happy here in Atlantic City, I really love the group of players we have and the deal I signed will help us retain our talent to maximize our potential," Flores said, "the team was interested in the cost certainty of negotiating at the point in time we did and I thought it made a ton of sense for both sides."

Assistant general manager Kean Probyn stated, "we're happy to have Carlos here with us for many more years. His dedication to his craft, determination to succeed, and impactful leadership has made him a valuable asset and we look forward to what he can continue to accomplish with us."