Twins Still Pursuing Lance Lynn?

[Nick Nelson]

Kind of interesting to see this story from Jon Heyman pop up right after the Twins waived J.T. Chargois to mysteriously open up a 40-man roster spot:

 

https://www.fanragsports.com/twins/heyman-could-lance-lynn-be-final-piece-for-twins/

 

The Minnesota Twins still have “some flexibility” to pursue a starting pitcher if they find a deal they like. And sources suggest that pitcher of interest could be Lance Lynn, who they seem to prefer among the remaining top free-agent starters.

They certainly have the money to spend, and I've sorta felt Lynn's been underrated in free agent SP discussions, but I'm not sure I see him as a fit right now. Thoughts?

[nicksaviking]

Better Lynn than Cobb. But I'd hope it's three years or less. And I really wouldn't have much faith in either.

 

Still would prefer a trade. Danny Duffy scenarios have been running through my head for a couple days now.

[sthpstm]

If the team can improve the top 6 starting pitcher options, why not do it?

I think my main question with Lynn is if someone with his repertoire will continue to (or return to) pitch at an above average level.

[Otto von Ballpark]

I feel like our interest in Lynn at this point might be like our interest in Ervin back in March 2014, when we offered him 3/33 which he declined for a one year deal elsewhere.

 

Although maybe we could be a destination on a one year deal too? Our contention chances are much better than they were in 2014.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Lynn over Cobb, huh? I prefer Cobb but not for substantial enough reasons to really complain about it, I suppose.

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

I feel like our interest in Lynn at this point might be like our interest in Ervin back in March 2014, when we offered him 3/33 which he declined for a one year deal elsewhere.

Although maybe we could be a destination on a one year deal too? Our contention chances are much better than they were in 2014.

If was running this team, I'd be willing to vastly overpay for a one year contract. Given the prospects in the upper minors and the team's legitimate chance to contend, it makes sense for both parties to go for a one year deal if nothing better surfaces.

[Thrylos]

There was some  talking about it at the MLB Network this afternoon as well, but it was more of a speculation.  

 

Too much smoke though...

[Otto von Ballpark]

With as little as we are hearing about Lynn and Cobb, I have to imagine they will be considering one year deals. Not ideal for them, but at least they could try the market again next winter without draft pick compensation attached.

 

Although I suppose they could let this play out a bit more, to see what SP might go down with injury this spring.

[Nick Nelson]

 

If was running this team, I'd be willing to vastly overpay for a one year contract. Given the prospects in the upper minors and the team's legitimate chance to contend, it makes sense for both parties to go for a one year deal if nothing better surfaces.

I've said this before, but if I were in charge my approach might be to create a list of remaining free agent pitchers in order of preference, reach out to each one and say "What amount would it take to get you to consider a one-year deal?" then sign the first one who says something you consider reasonable.

[Riverbrian]

With sincere apology to you Nick.

 

After Darvish rumors all winter. I've opted not to read this article and the responses. 

 

I'm hoping this way the Twins can surprise me. 

 

 

BTW... This photo looks nothing like me. 

[BoofBonser]

Where do you guys see Lynn fitting in the rotation? I think he'd be a very solid 3/4 but could maybe be our opening day starter

[Mr. Brooks]

Where do you guys see Lynn fitting in the rotation? I think he'd be a very solid 3/4 but could maybe be our opening day starter

No way he should slot ahead of Berrios, IMO.

Then again, the order is pretty meaningless.

[nicksaviking]

Where do you guys see Lynn fitting in the rotation? I think he'd be a very solid 3/4 but could maybe be our opening day starter

Which is why this team should be/should have ensured they got someone significantly better than Lynn and Cobb.

[beckmt]

Must have some reason to like Lynn over Cobb.  Do not see it as Lynn is a National League pitcher with all those advantages.  But we shall see.

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

I've said this before, but if I were in charge my approach might be to create a list of remaining free agent pitchers in order of preference, reach out to each one and say "What amount would it take to get you to consider a one-year deal?" then sign the first one who says something you consider reasonable.

Exactly. The Twins not only have interesting prospects in Gonsalves and Romero but they essentially already signed Pineda to a one year deal for 2019.

[mudcat14]

 

If was running this team, I'd be willing to vastly overpay for a one year contract. Given the prospects in the upper minors and the team's legitimate chance to contend, it makes sense for both parties to go for a one year deal if nothing better surfaces.

 

Agreed.  I'd offer a 1-year, high $ deal and see if he bites.  Maybe $15mil.  See if he's willing to bet on himself and a looser market next winter.

 

Of course, I forgot about the compensatory pick he would cost.  Any idea what that might be?

Edited February 23, 2018 by mudcat14

[bluechipper]

Lynn for 3 years and $45M would be a very good move to me. I feel like he's being underrated. This would be an ok deal even if he was only as good as he was last year, and if he pitches like he did before the injury, it would be a great deal.

[Brandon Warne]

He actually kept reposting it. It was up pretty early today. He just tends to share his links multiple times per day, so in this case the timing was probably intentional, but just a rerun.

[old nurse]

Lynn would be a far better option than anyone else they have. If they can figure out why LH hits him hard and correct that, he is a top of the rotation starter. Otherwise he would be addition enough to get you to the wild card game again.

[Guest]

Kind of interesting to see this story from Jon Heyman pop up right after the Twins waived J.T. Chargois to mysteriously open up a 40-man roster spot:

 

https://www.fanragsports.com/twins/heyman-could-lance-lynn-be-final-piece-for-twins/

 

 

They certainly have the money to spend, and I've sorta felt Lynn's been underrated in free agent SP discussions, but I'm not sure I see him as a fit right now. Thoughts?

Wouldn’t Ricky Nolasco come cheaper?

[Guest]

Where do you guys see Lynn fitting in the rotation? I think he'd be a very solid 3/4 but could maybe be our opening day starter

He should be able to beat out Longibal Sanchez.

[TheLeviathan]

Good.  I think Cobb has more upside, but either of them is vastly superior to pitching Slegers or relying on Hughes.

[jorgenswest]

I would be surprised if the Twins let out which pitcher they preferred.

 

The possible reward of Lynn or Cobb deals of less than 4 years would be worth the risk.

[DocBauer]

Completely on board with 1 year, 1 year with option or 3 year deal. (Like each idea for different, unimportant reasons). I would guess the 1 year with an option is the least likely, but this makes too much sense not to peruse. I prefer Lynn over Cobb and detailed why in another thread, so will skip all of that.

 

I fully expect Santana to be back 100%. But what if his rehab and build up takes longer than hoped? Not sure I buy this, and forgive me for my buy-in optimism, but what if Gibson's second half was luck/illusion? Sanchez could be a great story, but really, this a flier signing. Hughes is getting paid for the next 2 season's and would be an even better story, but is an internal flier. The kids just aren't ready yet, as impatient as we all are for them to be, with the exception of Slegers who just might be a decent back end starter.

 

This is not to be a downer or pooh-pooh the season before it begins! It's simply reality that there is room to add another high quality arm. Isn't the point to have the best over all team...offensivly, defensively and pitching...that you can?

 

What is the absolute worst possible outcome? Santana comes back strong, Berrios keeps developing, you've added 2 quality ML arms via trade and FA, and you have Mejia, Gibson, Hughes and Sanchez fighting for the last spot or two in the rotation with the kids, (though Slegers could compete as well), gaining experience and providing experience at Rochester. And May could also make a difference at some point. So maybe you end up with someone like Gibson you could move in a deal for a helpful piece or a decent prospect?

 

This makes way too much sense not to persue!

[darin617]

 

Agreed.  I'd offer a 1-year, high $ deal and see if he bites.  Maybe $15mil.  See if he's willing to bet on himself and a looser market next winter.

 

Of course, I forgot about the compensatory pick he would cost.  Any idea what that might be?

 

Pretty sure it would cost the Twins their 3rd highest pick.

[sthpstm]

For those suggesting a 1 year deal, do you think the Twins will give up the draft pick to sign Lynn or Cobb for just 1 year?

[Nick Nelson]

 

For those suggesting a 1 year deal, do you think the Twins will give up the draft pick to sign Lynn or Cobb for just 1 year?

Yeah, that's part of what I struggle with. I think at this point I'd just let it ride. Hope you can fill the gaps and get by until Erv and May get back. 

[ewen21]

Getting Lynn and Odorizzi might be a lot better than putting all the eggs in the Darvish basket.

 

I would be satisfied if Lynn and Odorizzi was what they got this offseason, and in my opinion, better than getting Darvish

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Yeah, that's part of what I struggle with. I think at this point I'd just let it ride. Hope you can fill the gaps and get by until Erv and May get back.

id like a higher likelihood of success than hope you can get by.

[Oxtung]

 

What is the absolute worst possible outcome? Santana comes back strong, Berrios keeps developing, you've added 2 quality ML arms via trade and FA, and you have Mejia, Gibson, Hughes and Sanchez fighting for the last spot or two in the rotation with the kids, (though Slegers could compete as well), gaining experience and providing experience at Rochester. And May could also make a difference at some point. So maybe you end up with someone like Gibson you could move in a deal for a helpful piece or a decent prospect?

This makes way too much sense not to persue!

I'm pretty sure the worst case scenario includes signing Lynn to a multiyear deal only to find out he never returns to his pre-injury form and instead his ERA balloons towards a 5.00 ERA that his 2017 FIP suggests. His production falls farther due to moving to the AL and then he further declines because well, he is in his decline years. That is the worst case. Everybody can decide for themselves how likely that is.

 

For those who are more intrigued by Cobb, you must be really confident he will regain his feel for the splitter because signing a pitcher to a long term contract that has a 6 K/9 rate is pretty risky.

 

Personally I don't like either signing for more than 1 year. Sigh.... Darvish how I miss thee.

Edited February 23, 2018 by Oxtung