SAN DIEGO, CA – AUGUST 19: Lance Lynn #35 of the Texas Rangers (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
Rangers starter Lance Lynn could be traded at some point in the near future
When San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a grand slam on a 3-0 pitching during their destruction of the Texas Rangers, it sent the team into a tailspin that involved an eight-game losing streak. This recent downward trend might force the Rangers to sell at the deadline, and one asset on this team towers above the rest.
Lance Lynn has been able to once again establish himself as one of the AL’s best starters, as his 1.59 ERA and 278 ERA+ have him firmly in the CY Young conversation. He might not have long left in Texas, however, as his club is listening to offers on the resurgent veteran.
In a shortened season where pitching means more than it ever has, any contending team in the league worth their salt should try to make a run at Lynn. These three, however, need his particular skillset more than the rest of the contenders.
These three teams need to make a run at Lance Lynn
3
Atlanta Braves
NL East
The NL East looked like one of the most competitive divisions in baseball at the beginning of the season, but the Braves are in first place in what has become a train wreck of a group despite some major holes in the pitching staff. Sean Newcomb has already been sent to the minor leagues due to his struggles, while injuries to Mike Soroka forced top prospect Ian Anderson to make his debut ahead of schedule. Outside of Max Fried, this pitching staff is a complete train wreck.
The Braves have enough prospects to swing a deal for Lynn, even if Cristian Pache is totally off-limits. Flipping two of their top-ten to Texas in exchange for Lynn would give the Braves a 1-2 punch that can finally compliment their star-powered lineup. If they’re able to retain him for 2021 and beyond, a Fried-Soroka-Lynn rotation might propel them to a championship.