The trade deadline is finally starting to heat up.
This morning, Bob Nightengale of USA Today gave an update on a team that had previously been reported as part of the Lance Lynn trade rumors. Nightengale has taken the Rays’ previously reported interest a step further by saying the teams are already in “serious talks” and have already exchanged player names.
Nightengale also reports that while the Rays are on Lynn’s no-trade clause list, he would be prepared to waive his rights in order to be traded to Tampa Bay.
Lynn’s connection to the Rays was first reported ten days ago by Nightengale. In that report, he says the Rays believe they have their best team in franchise history, but will still likely be aggressive ahead of the trade deadline. He notes they will be targeting another bat and a starting pitcher, hence the interest in Lynn. They are rumored to also have been scouting Jordan Montgomery and Jack Flaherty from the St. Louis Cardinals.
The 36-year-old right-hander has been finding some success lately despite some season-long struggles, thanks in part to his career-high strikeout rate. In 115 innings this season, Lynn has a 6.18 ERA, 5.28 FIP, and 27.3 K% while struggling mightily with the long ball, giving up 28 over the course of his 20 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.”
Lynn is earning $18.5 million this year with an $18.5 million club option or $1 million buyout in 2024. The Rangers are the other team who has expressed the most interest in Lynn, though it is unclear how far those talks have progressed.
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I would not be surprised if the Buffoon Trio of Reinsdorf/Williams/Hahn blow the potential deal.
Sox overvalue their assets. Plus, if the Rays are smart, they would have Sox kick in some cash… as Lynn’s numbers are not that great. I can see the Sox asking for an unrealistic return from Tampa.
It’s no secret, Lynn wants out from the Clown-Show that is the White Sox. So it’s a no surprise he is willing to waive his no trade clause. Sox need to take fringe prospect and be done.