Well how about that. One Chicago team has figured out how to extend a key player in mid-July. No, this isn’t the same situation as Kris Bryant or Javy Báez or Anthony Rizzo, and it’s definitely not the same situation as Allen Robinson or Zach LaVine. But still, it’s big win for the White Sox.
The White Sox won’t let Lance Lynn hit free agency:
The Chicago White Sox and All-Star right-handed pitcher Lance Lynn have agreed to terms on a two-year, $38-million contract extension, which includes a club option for the 2024 season.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) July 17, 2021
The White Sox traded for the 34-year-old Lynn in the offseason, and he has continued his tremendous run of success since signing with the Rangers on what turned out to be a bargain a few years ago. How Lynn will age into his mid-and-later-30s remains to be seen, but this is hardly a huge risk by the White Sox for a guy who is, right now, pitching like an ace. A mere $38 million guarantee over two years AND you get a club option at the end? Sounds like a steal, and is probably why the White Sox were willing to do it even with any CBA-related uncertainty on the horizon.
Good for them. I’m jealous. Can’t lie.
As for the broader market implications here, it takes a would-be big-time arm off the free agent market, but it’s still going to be a crowded free agent group. And the price tag sure seems low, but I guess you have Lynn’s age and physique to consider when trying to estimate future performance (he’s also overperforming his peripherals by a lot this year, which he doesn’t always do). So maybe this isn’t an indication that this tier of starting pitchers are getting “cheaper”?