Published by
The Seattle Times
The Seattle Times
SEATTLE — When compiling a list of reasons for the Seattle Mariners’ unexpected success in the 2021 season, the surprising season of starting pitcher Chris Flexen could rank near the top in importance, perhaps falling just behind a dominating bullpen that has been the island of misfit arms and minor league signings made good. But it’s fair to wonder where the Mariners would be had they not unearthed Flexen, a major-league washout with the New York Mets, from the Korean Baseball Organization and brought him back to the United States as their highest-paid free agent signing — 2-year, $4.75 milli…