Lance Lynn, a right-handed pitcher, began his Major League Baseball career with the St. Louis Cardinals. Drafted in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft, Lynn quickly rose through the minor league ranks, making his MLB debut on June 2, 2011. His early years with the Cardinals were marked by a steady ascent, as he transitioned from a bullpen role to a starting pitcher.
In 2012, Lynn secured a spot in the Cardinals' starting rotation, a year that proved to be a breakout season for him. He recorded an 18-7 win-loss record with a 3.78 ERA, earning him a selection to the National League All-Star team. His performance helped the Cardinals reach the postseason, where they advanced to the National League Championship Series.
Lynn continued to be a reliable starter for the Cardinals over the next few seasons. In 2013, he posted a 15-10 record with a 3.97 ERA, contributing to the Cardinals' run to the World Series, although they ultimately fell to the Boston Red Sox. The following year, Lynn improved his ERA to 2.74, finishing the season with a 15-10 record once again. His consistency on the mound was a valuable asset for the Cardinals, who made the playoffs in each of those seasons.
The 2015 season saw Lynn maintain his strong performance, ending the year with a 12-11 record and a 3.03 ERA. However, his career faced a setback when he underwent Tommy John surgery in November 2015, causing him to miss the entire 2016 season. Despite this challenge, Lynn returned to the Cardinals' rotation in 2017, demonstrating resilience by finishing the season with an 11-8 record and a 3.43 ERA.
In 2018, Lynn entered free agency and signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Twins. His tenure with the Twins was short-lived, as he was traded to the New York Yankees mid-season. Between the two teams, he compiled a 10-10 record with a 4.77 ERA. The following year, Lynn signed a three-year deal with the Texas Rangers, where he experienced a resurgence in his career.
During his time with the Rangers, Lynn became one of the top pitchers in the American League. In 2019, he achieved a 16-11 record with a 3.67 ERA and finished fifth in the AL Cy Young Award voting. The shortened 2020 season saw Lynn continue his strong performance, posting a 6-3 record with a 3.32 ERA and leading the league in innings pitched.
In December 2020, Lynn was traded to the Chicago White Sox, where he continued to excel. The 2021 season was particularly impressive for Lynn, as he recorded an 11-6 record with a 2.69 ERA, earning his second All-Star selection and finishing third in the AL Cy Young Award voting. His efforts helped the White Sox secure a playoff berth, although they were eliminated in the American League Division Series.
Throughout his career, Lance Lynn was known for his durability and ability to consistently deliver quality starts.
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