Right-handed pitcher Lance Lynn is returning to the St. Louis Cardinals after agreeing to a one-year contract with a club option, guaranteeing him 10 million. The deal, pending a physical, could reach up to 26 million with performance bonuses and escalators if the Cardinals exercise the option. Lynn is returning to the Cardinals, the team that drafted him 15 years ago, and where he played for the first six seasons of his career.
Lynn has moved through five teams since leaving St. Louis, and he comes back after a season where he showcased an impressive strikeout rate but struggled with home runs. In 2023, he struck out 144 batters in 119⅔ innings but allowed 28 home runs, resulting in a 6.47 ERA with the Chicago White Sox.
Although he faced difficulties, the Los Angeles Dodgers picked him up at the trade deadline, and during his time with them, he showed improvement with a 4.36 ERA. However, he still gave up 16 home runs in 64 innings.
Right-hander Lance Lynn and the St. Louis Cardinals are in agreement on a one-year contract with a club option that guarantees around $10 million, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN. Lynn, 36, was drafted by Cardinals and returns, pending physical, as they rebuild rotation.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 20, 2023
With the Cardinals aiming to strengthen their rotation following a tough season marked by a 5.08 ERA, they are taking steps to address their pitching requirements.
Lynn joins the returning Miles Mikolas and Steven Matz, along with young left-handers Matthew Liberatore, Zack Thompson, and Drew Rom. The team’s pitching struggles contributed to their worst full season since 1990, finishing with a record of 71-91.
With starting pitching in abundance this offseason, the Cardinals have the opportunity to explore potential deals. Outfielder Tyler O’Neill, Dylan Carlson, and Tommy Edman are among the position players that could be considered in trade talks. Lynn, with a 12-year career, boasts a 136-95 record with a 3.74 ERA since being drafted by the Cardinals in 2008.
In addition to Lynn’s return, the Cardinals have also welcomed back another former player, infielder Daniel Descalso, who will serve as the bench coach in 2024. Descalso played for St. Louis from 2010 to 2014 and replaces Joe McEwing, now serving as the special assistant to the president of baseball operations.
