Lance Lynn Dealt in Chris Young’s First Trade as Rangers’ GM
Photo via: Fort Worth Star-Telegram courtesy of Richard W. Rodriguez, AP.As first reported by Joel Sherman of the NY Post, Lance Lynn was traded to the Chicago White Sox late into last night. The trade was officially announced today.
The move marked new General Manager Chris Young’s first trade since being hired by the Texas Rangers this past week. The Rangers sent Lynn to Chicago and received two starting pitching prospects, Dane Dunning and Avery Weems, in return.
Lynn impressed in the shortened season this year as a superb follow-up performance to an exceptional 2019 season. In 13 starts, Lynn had a 3.32 ERA, a record of 6-3 despite the Rangers losing 38 of 60 games, and 89 strikeouts in 84 innings pitched. He finished in the top six in Cy Young Award voting for the second consecutive season.
Dane Dunning headlined the return for Lynn. Dunning made his MLB debut in 2020 and put up a respectable 3.97 ERA in 34 innings during his rookie campaign. He had not yet pitched at the AAA-level prior to making his first big league appearance, but the former University of Florida pitcher did maintain an ERA under 3.00 in each of his three minor league seasons from Low-A to High-A to Double-A. Dunning spent all of 2019 recovering from Tommy John surgery before proving to the White Sox that he is worthy of a call-up in 2020.
The other pitching prospect, Avery Weems, has found success in the White Sox system after being selected in the 6th round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of the University of Arizona. He pitched in short-season rookie ball and the Arizona Fall League in 2019. He combined for a 2.09 ERA in 60.1 innings. The Rangers saw potential in the 6’2” lefty and decided to make the deal.
The White Sox are clearly making moves necessary to give themselves a shot at a World Series. Acquiring Lynn means their starting rotation will consist of Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel, Lynn, and Dylan Cease at the minimum if all goes well in the offseason and spring training.
On the other hand, the Rangers aim to replenish their farm system and acquire controllable pieces, as they did here. Chris Young’s first move as General Manager was a forward-thinking one, not a rush to add wins to 2021.