The Washington Nationals are reportedly in early-stage negotiations to potentially sign two-time All-Star starting pitcher Lance Lynn, a move that could provide valuable veteran leadership to their pitching staff. While the Nationals aren’t desperate for another starter, adding a player of Lynn’s experience could be a helpful resource for their younger pitchers as they continue to develop.
Lynn, who has had a long and successful career, might not be the same dominant pitcher he once was, but his experience and resilience are hard to overlook. After a rough 2023 campaign where he posted a 5.73 ERA, many believed that retirement could be on the horizon. However, Lynn bounced back in 2024 with a much-improved 3.84 ERA in 23 starts for the St. Louis Cardinals. His velocity has dipped, and his strikeout numbers have decreased, but he’s been effective at generating outs and limiting hard contact, proving that he still has value on the mound.
For the Nationals, bringing in Lynn would likely see him take on more of a backend role in the rotation. He would not be expected to be an ace, but rather a steady, veteran presence who can help guide the younger arms on the roster. Washington’s pitching staff already has some exciting young talent, with Jake Irvin, Mitchell Parker, and DJ Herz all showing promise in 2024. These players could benefit from having a seasoned pitcher like Lynn in the clubhouse, offering insights and advice as they continue to mature as professionals.
The Nationals have already made moves to strengthen their pitching staff this offseason, adding Michael Soroka and bringing back Trevor Williams. This may indicate that they are close to completing their pitching roster, but if the team is serious about competing sooner rather than later, bringing in another proven arm could make sense. Lynn could provide that extra boost and stability, even if his role is more about mentoring the younger pitchers than carrying the staff.
While it might have made more sense for the Nationals to sign Lynn earlier in the offseason, his availability could still be an intriguing option if they feel the need to add a proven veteran to the mix. Whether the Nationals are looking to contend this season or simply add depth, Lynn could provide a valuable piece to their pitching staff, especially if he can replicate his recent success and offer guidance to the next generation of pitchers in Washington.
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