After dealing with one Los Angeles team earlier in the week, Rick Hahn and Co. might be sending a few more pitchers out west.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Dodgers are currently involved in several high-stake trade possibilities and are also deep in talks with the White Sox. Los Angeles is reportedly “cautiously optimistic” about reaching a deal for veteran starting pitcher, and perhaps reliever Joe Kelly.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal followed up shortly later saying that both teams were close to an agreement, per his sources.
Lynn, 36, has been finding some patches of success lately despite season-long struggles, thanks in part to his career-high strikeout rate. In 119.2 innings this season, Lynn has a 6.47 ERA, 5.22 FIP, and 10.8 K/9 while struggling mightily with the long ball, giving up 28 over the course of his 21 starts. However, a few weeks ago on the White Sox Talk Podcast, Nightengale commented on Lynn by saying he’s heard that, despite Lynn’s struggles, other MLB general managers “love” the starter, believing he would be a different pitcher on a different team.
“I know he hasn’t, you know, he doesn’t have a good ERA,” said Nightengale. “Hasn’t performed well. But they think – get him out of Chicago, get him in our hands, pitch lights out.”
The Rays were reported to be the other team in “serious talks” and had already exchanged player names earlier in the week, per Nightengale, though no further update was ever provided. Lynn seemingly confirmed these reports on yesterday’s Foul Territory Podcast, saying the Rays, Dodgers, Rangers, and a fourth mystery team were all involved.
Lynn is earning $18.5 million this year with an $18.5 million club option or $1 million buyout in 2024.
As for Kelly, the 35-year-old has been drawing interest from the Dodgers for at least several days now based on reports from FanSided’s Robert Murray. The righty reliever owns a 4.97 ERA over 29.0 IP this season, striking out 41 batters while owning a 3.25 FIP. Despite recent struggles of his own and multiple IL stints this season, teams would gladly take his talents and prior postseason experience.
As the deal becomes finalized, we’ll provide further updates. Follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more!
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