The Chicago White Sox are in talks with the Tampa Bay Rays about right-handed pitcher Lance Lynn. Here’s what a trade could look like.
When the Rays trade for a pitcher, especially a struggling one, there has to be a catch. It’s unclear what Tampa Bay sees in Lynn, who as of this writing has an ERA over six, but nearly every at-bat against him ends in a strikeout or home run. There’s very little in between.
Perhaps it is that swing-and-miss rate the Rays find some intriguing, especially on a pitcher they can conceivably buy low on. Some pundits suggest a contending team could use Lynn as a relief pitcher, rather than a starter, and that’s likely what Tampa Bay would consider right off the bat.
Lynn can technically block a trade to Tampa Bay, as they are on his no-trade list. However, given they are contending for the AL East crown and one of the better teams in baseball, that could be counterproductive.
Per Bob Nightengale, the two teams have exchanged prospect names. With that in mind, here’s what a Lynn trade package may look like.
What a Rays-White Sox trade for Lance Lynn would look like
Three prospects for Lynn seems fair, especially considering all three are outside the top-5 in Tampa’s system. Wilcox, while ranked eighth, has struggled this season. He’s the team’s second-ranked pitching prospect.
Lynn has another season left on his contract, as well. This return is assuming the White Sox take on some of his remaining money, which the Rays are likely to ask for considering their small-market status.
While these may not be the exact prospects Chicago demands in return for Lynn, a trade package of three top-30 prospects is an impressive deal for the Sox as they look to retool for the future.