The Los Angeles Dodgers have managed to excel despite a number of brutal injuries to their pitching rotation this season. They made a move for an experienced starting pitcher on Friday in a huge trade with the Chicago White Sox.
Two-time All-Star starter Lance Lynn is in the midst of the worst season of his career, currently holding a 6.47 ERA in 21 starts on the year.
Despite this, there was still interest for him around the league, and the Dodgers seem to believe that they can salvage him. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported on Friday that the Dodgers will be acquiring Lance Lynn and veteran relief pitcher Joe Kelly from the White Sox.
Full trade, per ESPN sources:
Los Angeles Dodgers receive: RH starter Lance Lynn and RH reliever Joe Kelly
Chicago White Sox receive: RH starter Nick Nastrini (in Double-A), RH reliever Jordan Leasure (Double-A) and OF Trayce Thompson, who was originally drafted by Chicago.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 28, 2023
In return, the Dodgers will be sending the White Sox two prospects, Dodgers No. 9 ranked prospect Nick Nastrini and relief pitcher Jordan Leasure along with veteran outfielder Trayce Thompson, notably the brother of Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson.
Given Lynn’s struggles thus far year, it is certainly interesting to see a contending team take a chance on him. Many fans seemingly have extremely mixed feelings about the move.
The Dodgers traded away their 9th ranked prospect as part of the package for Lynn & Kelly https://t.co/8AnyJnnJkq
— Ryan (@The_Ryan_Shull) July 28, 2023
The Dodgers had an abundance of upper minors starting prospects to deal from, but still tough to give up Nastrini as the headliner for a couple of rentals with negative (bref) or barely positive (fangraphs) WAR. Makes some sense given the nature of this year's market. https://t.co/osq424FMeN
— Future Dodgers (@FutureDodgers) July 28, 2023
The White Sox did their homework, and are getting a lot of return for what they're giving up, so congrats to them. Good luck Jordan. good luck Nick, go kill it! #dodgers https://t.co/JY7u4PnSnH
— Dodgers Daily (@dodger_daily) July 28, 2023
Nick Nastrini is a solid arm but the Dodgers made out well here IMO. They traded from areas of extreme depth to get two pieces for the World Series push. https://t.co/CuU0RaTIfU
— Eric Cross (@EricCross04) July 28, 2023
That feels like a really big return for the White Sox. Rental market is starting out hot for SP+RP packages. https://t.co/leOTaptuoi
— Brandon Kiley (@BKSportsTalk) July 28, 2023
The Dodgers will certainly be hoping that Lynn still has some of his 2021 magic left in him. Lynn had the best season of his 12-year MLB career in 2021, recording a 2.69 ERA and coming in third in American League Cy Young voting.
It’s still obviously unclear whether this move will work out for the Dodgers, but this is a clear indication that their sole focus is bringing another World Series Championship to Los Angeles.
