The rumor mill is flowing, and the New York Yankees are checking in on multiple players. With Mike Clevinger off the board and headed toward San Diego to play for the Padres, one option that remains available is Texas Rangers’, Lance Lynn.
Lynn played in 11 games for the Yankees back in 2018, posting a 4.14 ERA. His 61 innings pitched, and two homers allowed were quite impressive, and he backed up a solid 2018 performance with a 3.67 ERA in 2019. He went 16-11 with the Rangers last year at 32 years old. His major issue — wild pitches. Over 208 innings pitched, he threw 18 wild pitches, by far the most in his entire career.
However, during an abbreviated 2020 season, he has posted a 1.93 ERA with a 4-1 record. His 51.1 innings pitched is a lofty number, enjoying 56 strikeouts and allowing six homers.
The major issue with acquiring Lynn would be his price tag. Since he is red hot, the Rangers are looking for valuable assets in return. Specifically, they desire young pitching prospect Deivi Garcia, who pitched six scoreless innings in the second game of Sunday’s doubleheader against the New York Mets.
Yes… Lance Lynn is a big focus for the Rangers right now…. much interest in him and a deal could be possible in the next three hours…. The Rangers would love RHP Deivi Garcia from the Yankees but he is likely out of reach
— TR Sullivan (@Sullivan_Ranger) August 31, 2020
The value for the New York Yankees:
Lynn is currently in the second year of a three-year deal, giving the Yankees one more season of control. Is it worth sending Garcia over for Lynn, who will account for $8 million in base salary next year?
Some might say that acquiring proven talent is a good deal, but Garcia has immense potential.
Nonetheless, the Yankees are hoping to compete for a World Series this season, and with the majority of their players returning to health in the coming weeks, having sustainable pitching is a priority. I do like that Lynn has another year on his contract, further bolstering his value as a starter. He also lasts an average of 6.0 innings per game, which is incredibly valuable at this point of the Bombers.
In addition, the Yankees are set to lose James Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka, and JA Happ, which only expands Lynn’s worth.