Cardinals’ Lance Lynn signing sets pivotal market trend for Mets

On Monday morning, a significant development in the Hot Stove world caught the attention of Mets fans. The St. Louis Cardinals reached an agreement with veteran starting pitcher Lance Lynn. According to reports from Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the deal guarantees $11 million for one year with a club option that could potentially extend it to a two-year, $24 million contract. This agreement sets a benchmark for the Mets’ needs as they are actively seeking starting pitchers to bolster their roster.

With the likes of Kodai Senga, Jose Quintana, and a few question marks, the Mets are in search of at least two starting pitchers. They are expected to pursue NBP free agent Yoshinobu Yamamoto and are also interested in building depth and quantity in their pitching rotation. This strategy is crucial due to the lack of starting pitchers in their organization.

Lance Lynn, known for his durability, is coming off a career-low 5.73 ERA in 2023 while playing for the White Sox and the Dodgers. His salary now provides a point of reference for negotiations with other potential Mets pitchers such as Luis Severino, Kyle Gibson, Sean Manaea, and Michael Wacha.

Each pitcher brings their own set of variables to the table. For example, Severino has a higher upside than Lynn but is less dependable. Additionally, Brandon Woodruff, currently rehabbing from shoulder surgery, would require a two-year deal.

The Mets’ intentions for the 2024 season were further solidified when Aaron Nola returned to the Phillies on a seven-year, $172 million deal. Sources indicate that the Mets were not heavily involved in Nola’s free agency, further emphasizing their focus on exploring the trade market for pitching.

In the ever-changing landscape of baseball deals and free agency, the Mets are actively navigating the options available to solidify their pitching roster.

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David Rodriguez

David Rodriguez brings the excitement of Major League Baseball to readers. With a deep appreciation for America’s pastime, he covers the latest MLB news, scores, and player achievements, keeping fans up to date with their favorite teams and players.