A key piece of the starting rotation has been locked down for the foreseeable future.
The White Sox and All-Star right-hander Lance Lynn have agreed to terms on a two-year, $38-million contract extension, which includes a club option for the 2024 season. Under terms of the extension, Lynn will receive $18.5 million in both 2022 and 2023, with the White Sox holding an $18-million option for 2024 with a $1-million buyout.
After being acquired from the Texas Rangers this past December, Lynn has turned into the anchor of this rotation. He’s gone 9-3 with a 1.99 ERA (20 ER/90.2 IP), 105 strikeouts, 31 walks, a 1.037 WHIP over 16 starts this season. Keeping him around for at least two more years will ensure the Sox have not only a reliable but dominant arm in their rotation during their prime contention window.
“We are thrilled to be able to keep Lance in a White Sox uniform for the next several seasons,” said Rick Hahn, White Sox senior vice president/general manager. “He very quickly proved himself to be not only an All-Star caliber addition to the front of our rotation but also the positive clubhouse presence that we envisioned at the time of the acquisition. We look forward to Lance continuing to be a big part of what we’re hoping to accomplish not just in 2021 but now beyond.”
Looking at just how good he’s been, Lynn currently leads the American League with a 1.99 ERA, the lowest mark by a White Sox pitcher in the first half since Wilbur Wood (1.69) in 1971. He also ranks among the leaders in opponents average (2nd, .189), slugging percentage (2nd, .303), OPS (2nd, .303), on-base percentage (3rd, .260), wins (T3rd), home runs per 9.0 IP (7th, 0.89) and strikeouts per 9.0 IP (8th, 10.42). His All-Star appearance earlier in the week marked the second of his career, with the first coming with St. Louis in 2012.
Over 11 major-league seasons, Lynn has gone 113-74 with a 3.48 ERA (586 ER/1,517.1 IP) and 1,520 strikeouts in 276 career games (252 starts), which includes stints with St. Louis (2011-17), Minnesota (2018), the Yankees (2018), Texas (2019-20) and now the White Sox.
Looking specifically at his October résumé, Lynn has made 26 career postseason appearances (seven starts), going 5-4 with a 4.80 ERA (29 ER/54.1 IP) and 52 strikeouts. He also pitched for Tony La Russa as a rookie in 2011 when the Cardinals won the World Series. His sport of experience will be crucial this season and beyond.
We will update this article as more information becomes available. Be sure to also follow us on social media @SoxOn35th!
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