Early reports have the 33 year old right hander coming to Chicago for Dane Dunning. The White Sox are receiving a great addition to their rotation in Lynn. He has recovered well from Tommy John surgery in 2016 and ranks 2nd in WAR among pitchers (Baseball Reference version) trailing only Jacob deGrom.
One of the best things about Lynn is the how he eats innings. In the past two seasons he leads the league with 46 starts and 45 of those he went at least 5 innings. This will come in crucial in keeping the bullpen fresh with the bottom of the rotation featuring Dylan Cease and a returning Michael Kopech.
The big issue in the deal is the contact length for each player in the deal. Is one year of Lynn equal to six years of control of Dunning? Dunning, the Sox's 5th ranked prospect, posted a sub 4 ERA in his first year back from Tommy John surgery for the Sox last season.
Ultimately, I think this is a deal that made sense for both teams. Texas, a franchise with no contending hopes this season, get a cost controlled arm for the future and the Sox get one step closer to their first division title since 2008.
Would I have preferred the Sox made this deal at the deadline last season to avoid the game 3 debacle against Oakland? Absolutely, but the fact is the Sox now have one of the best playoff rotations in the American League. Also, Lynn only costing 8 millions dollars allows the White Sox to free up money for right field and the bullpen.
** Fun fact for anyone still reading. Lance Lynn actually pitched in the last game Tony LaRussa managed. Cannot confirm if LaRussa remembers it but if Lynn ends up pitching in another World Series game 7 this season, then I think it is safe to say this trade will be remembered for a long time in Chicago **
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