Lance Lynn
Lance Lynn is tied for the league lead with 11 wins. We should know by now that pitcher wins are overrated but when a starter has a chance to make a run at 20 wins it’s still noteworthy.
His 3.91 ERA isn’t exciting but keep in mind that Lynn pitches half his games in a hitter’s paradise in the sweltering heat of Texas. His 2.97 FIP is much more promising. Lynn is posting a strong 9.6 K/9 and low 2.0 BB/9. He’s also been fairly stingy with the home runs (0.8 HR/9) despite pitching in a ballpark where the ball tends to fly.
Lynn disappointed with the Minnesota Twins after signing a 1-year, $12 million deal with them prior to last season. They dumped him on the Yankees at the trade deadline and he managed to provide a serviceable upgrade over the struggling Sonny Gray. The 32-year old isn’t the pitcher he was in his National League days with the St. Louis Cardinals but he would be a significant upgrade at the back of Boston’s rotation.
The Rangers signed Lynn to a three-year deal that runs through 2021. He would provide a modestly priced replacement in the rotation for two more years if Rick Porcello bolts in free agency.
Will a Texas team sitting only three games out of a Wild Card spot be inclined to sell? The Rangers hanging around this long has been a bit surprising and if they begin to slide any further over the next few weeks then they are expected to be sellers.