Jeff PassanESPN
The Chicago White Sox acquired right-hander Lance Lynn in a deal with the Texas Rangers early Tuesday morning, sources told ESPN and added a veteran to top the major leagues that year.
Lynn, 33, was perhaps the most valued pitcher in the trading market, tasting 25-year-old White Sox right-handed Dane Dunning, who is going to Texas with left-handed Avery Weems.
Chicago had targeted a starting pitcher to accompany aspiring Lucas Giolito and former Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel, both of whom stood out last season when the White Sox made their first post-season appearance since 2008. The White Sox had discussed a deal with Sonny Gray, but the Cincinnati Reds turned to Lynn. Despite losing their wildcard streak to Oakland, with a young core surrounding reigning American League MVP Jose Abreu, the White Sox await an AL Central favorite in 2021.
With a year and $ 8 million remaining contract, Lynn was a low-cost option that the Rebuilding Rangers put into a pitcher at Dunning who debuted this season after Tommy John’s recovery and was able to develop into an average Rotation unshakable.
In 2020, Lynn was more. Until a bad final start caused his ERA to skyrocket by more than three-quarters of a point, he was the favorite, finishing second behind the unanimous winner Shane Bieber in the AL Cy Young vote. In 84 innings, Lynn knocked out 89 Batters, went 25, and kept hitters to a batting average of 0.204. He did allow 13 home runs, however, a number that was alarming considering he pitched on the Rangers’ sprawling Globe Life Field.
Putting a jug of Lynn’s caliber behind Giolito and Keuchel is still a coup for the White Sox, who continue to seek offensive help with a line-up that includes Abreu, Tim Anderson, Yoan Moncada, Yasmani Grandal, Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez belong.
Chicago has been looking for left-handed outfield bats in the free agent market.
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