‘Like an easy fit’
Lynn signs a 2-year, $38M extension with White Sox
When the Chicago White Sox acquired starting pitcher Lance Lynn from the Texas Rangers in December for pitching prospect Dane Dunning, it signaled the team’s belief it was close to a championship.
Lynn lived up to expectations in the first half, leading the American League with a 1.99 ERA while going 9-3 and earning his second All-Star Game invitation.
The Sox rewarded the 34-year-old for his performance, signing him Saturday to a two-year, $38 million extension with an option for 2024.
Lynn will earn $18.5 million in 2022 and ‘23 with an $18 million team option for 2024 and a $1 million buyout.
In a pregame teleconference Saturday, Lynn cited the Sox’s “window to win” and his comfort zone on the South Side.
“When you start getting older in this game, you realize where you want to play, where you want to be and what kind of organization you want to be a part of,” he said. “Over the first half of this season, I’ve been able to see how everybody goes about their business here, the group that’s here and the group that’s going to be here the next couple years.
“It seemed like an easy fit. And when you start playing in front of these fans and enjoy it like I’ve been able to enjoy it, it’s a no-doubter.”
General manager Rick Hahn in a statement cited Lynn’s All-Star credentials and his status as a “positive clubhouse presence.”
Lynn was poised to cash in this offseason if he continued on his current pace. Despite his age, the lack of quality starting pitching on the market could have meant a higher average annual value if he prompted a bidding war.
But Lynn said he found a home and wasn’t that interested in pursuing other options.
“When I met (Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf ) in spring training this year, the first thing he said was, ‘I’m looking to win another championship,’ “Lynn said. “That’s what I’m all about. Trying to do everything I can to win.”
If the Sox pick up his option, Lynn will be 37 entering the 2024 season. But he’s pitching as well as he did in his mid-20s, and he might be in line for another contract after this one.
“You try taking it a year at a time,” he said.
“But when you look up, the mark of 38 to 40, if you can play that long, that would be awesome. I physically feel great. I’m enjoying the game, enjoying being around my teammates. The only thing that’s not fun is being away from the family when we have to travel.
“Kind of see how it goes, but right now if you told me I could play until I’m 40, I’d be thrilled, and I physically feel like I’ll be able to do that.”
With Lynn in the fold for the next two seasons, the Sox likely will try to re-sign fellow All-Star Carlos Rodón, who is eligible for free agency after this season after the Sox nontendered him and then re-signed him to a one-year contract in the offseason.
Rodón stands to get a sizable payday as one of the top left-handed starters on the market.