Reds Get More Perspective on Pitcher Market, Lance Lynn Signs With Cardinals
The Cincinnati Reds need to improve their pitching staff this offseason and one potential target is off the board.
Lance Lynn signed with the St Louis Cardinals according to multiple reports. The deal helps set the expectations for what will be a competitive market in free agency.
According to Jon Heyman, Lynn signed a one-year $10 million deal with a club option for 2025. Including incentives, Lynn can make up to $24 million over the two year deal. There is a $1 million buyout of the option year.
Lynn had an up-and-down season in 2023. He pitched 183 2/3 innings across 32 starts with a 5.73 ERA. He was very prone to giving up the long ball, averaging over two homers allowed per nine innings.
Some metrics say he was unlucky though, as his xFIP (an ERA predictor) said he should have been closer to 4.50.
With the Reds in the market for pitching, seeing Lynn sign above what most had expected has to be a bit heartburn-inducing. Spotrac.com had Lynn's market value just a shade over $7 million a year.
The Reds may need to get in a bidding war to make the improvements they need to their starting rotation.
The Cardinals will continue to be active in the pitching market as they have repeatedly said they want to sign at least two starting pitchers after losing Adam Wainwright (retirement), Jack Flaherty (trade) and Jordan Montgomery (trade).
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