NEWSLETTER
The Cubs may have as many as three vacancies in their rotation for 2021. And they may have completed more than their fair share of trades with the Rangers over the past decade. But I never let myself get excited for the possibility of trading for Lance Lynn, even after the Rangers made him clearly available earlier this offseason.
I knew he’d be well out of their window in terms of a trade target, and I thought he might even be out of their range financially … at $8 million/year for one year (2021). Given that he’s a clear “win-now” piece, I just sorta … kicked that storyline out of my mind. I figured he’d end up somewhere that was not Texas, but I guess I just wasn’t prepared for him to land so close to home:
Lance Lynn is being traded to the #WhiteSox
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 8, 2020
Lynn to White Sox for Dunning and a prospect is pending an exchange of medical records, as is standard procedure in such situations.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 8, 2020
A “Win-Now” Move
The 2021 White Sox are very much a “win-now” organization, and the addition of one season of Lynn, 33, just after the non-tender of 2014 first-rounder Carlos Rodon, is very much a “win-now” move. Their rotation will now be led by Lucas Giolito, Lance Lynn, and Dallas Keuchel, with Michael Kopech working his way back, plus Dylan Cease, and Reynaldo Lopez in the mix as well (they traded Dane Dunning in this deal):
White Sox have been looking for a starting pitcher, and they are landing arguably the best on the trade market. They also had been discussing a Sonny Gray deal with the Reds but pivoted toward Lynn and finished it with Rangers for Dane Dunning and a prospect, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 8, 2020
The Return
Speaking of which … Dunning, 25, was a first-round pick back in 2016, who finally debuted this season to mostly great results: 3.97 ERA (3.99 FIP), 34.0 IP.
Given his remaining team control and projection as a member of a big league rotation (at least), the White Sox are potentially giving up a lot of long-term value here (especially depending on the prospect going with him), to push all-in for 2021.
Yes, Dunning did have Tommy John surgery in 2019, that kept him out for the entire season. But he made it back near the middle of August 2020 to make seven straight starts to round out the year (of course, the Cubs tagged him for 4 earned runs (5 total) in 3.0 innings at the end of September, when the offense was mostly sputtering, so, you know). I’m sure the Rangers will do their medical homework nonetheless. But this could be a legit, long-term starter for them if everything checks out, to say nothing of the additional pitching prospect (update below).
“Good for Them”
In any case, the White Sox short-term roster continues to look strong:
White Sox hitters: Jose Abreu, Tim Anderson, Yoan Moncada, Yasmani Grandal, Luis Robert, Eloy Jimenez, more.
White Sox rotation: Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel, Lance Lynn, Dylan Cease, more.
Oh, and Michael Kopech is back throwing and reportedly looks very good.
That's a team.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 8, 2020
And don’t sleep on Lynn, who really figured things out here late in his career, finishing 6th in the Cy Young voting this year and 5th in 2019 (208.1 IP, 3.67 ERA, 3.13 FIP, 6.8 fWAR). He’s a big-time addition.
As for the Reds/Sonny Gray bit, well, we knew they’ve been heading in that direction (selling off) this offseason, particularly as they traded away closer Raisel Iglesias earlier today. At some point, Gray will probably be traded, as well, and for a larger return than Lynn fetched the Rangers. It just won’t be from the White Sox.
And take note, Cubs fans. This is the going acquisition cost of a post-30, Cy Young candidate with just ONE year of team control in this market (which is clearly starved for top-end pitching).
Maybe the Winter Meetings will be a little exciting after all.
UPDATE: It’s a pitching prospect.
Per source, the Rangers will receive Dane Dunning and another pitching prospect back for Lance Lynn.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 8, 2020
And someone’s excited:
https://twitter.com/LGio27/status/1336175178661810177?s=20
