According to Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic, the Texas Rangers and righty Lance Lynn have agreed to a three-year deal worth $30 million.
Source confirms: #Rangers in agreement with free-agent RHP Lance Lynn on a three-year, $30M contract. First: @Sullivan_Ranger.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 13, 2018
Lynn was a free agent just last offseason, and he figured to receive a longterm deal. However, he decided to settle for a one-year prove it deal with the Twins. Despite struggling, it appears that decision payed off for him in the end.
A Look at Lynn’s Career
Lynn spent the first seven years of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals. He broke out in 2012, his first full season in the big leagues. Lynn was named to his only career All-Star game and went 18-7 with a 3.78 ERA and 180 strikeouts.
His next couple of years he was a reliable starter for the Cardinals. In 2013 he became a more consistent pitcher, and reached 200 innings for the first time in his career. That year he went 10-15 with a 94 ERA+ and a 3.97 ERA.
Lynn showed up to Spring Training in 2014 in the best shape of his life. As a result, he posted a career-low 2.74 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. In 2015, he went 12-11 with a 3.03 ERA and 167 strikeouts over 175 innings.
He missed the whole 2016 season due to Tommy John surgery. Lynn rejoined the Cardinals rotation and finished the year by making 33 starts and posting a record of 11-8 and a 3.43 ERA.
Last offseason, he singed a one-year $12 million with the Twins. The Twins did not receive the pitcher they were expecting, and Lynn struggled mightily. Over 20 starts, he went 7-8 with a 5.10 ERA.
Lynn was traded to the Yankees at the deadline, and he spent time in their bullpen and rotation. In 11 appearances he posted a 4.14 ERA, and he allowed three runs in two postseason appearances.
What Lynn Brings to the Rangers
Lynn joins a very depleted Texas Rangers rotation. They currently have Mike Minor, Ariel Jurado, Yohander Mendez, Drew Smyly, and Edinson Volquez. Lynn could be potentially nice bounce back candidate for the Rangers. He will certainly be determined to prove his struggles in 2018 were just a fluke.
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