Over the years, former president of baseball operations, now team president Derek Falvey and his front office have had mixed results brining in veteran pitchers, both in the bullpen and on the starting staff. Some have been more expensive than others, too.

One of the most notorious free agent signings the MN Twins have made during the Falvey tenure came relatively early, in 2018. That’s when the Twins swung big on a hefty right-handed starter named Lance Lynn. After he rejected a deal in early March of 2018, for two years, $20 million, Lynn wound up signing a one-year deal worth $12 million, just days later.

In 2025, that price tag seems like pennies on the dollar for a productive proven productive 30-year-old pitcher. It’d be the equivalent of paying a starter in the range of $20 million per season, today.

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Lance Lynn retires

After begrudgingly signing with the MN Twins in 2018, Lynn lasted just 20 starts, posting a 5.10 ERA. Minnesota then sent him to the New York Yankees, where he pitched for six more seasons. But on Tuesday, the one time Twin revealed on his wife’s podcast that his Major League Baseball career is over.

“Baseball season is upon us, and I’m right here on the couch, and that is where I’m going to stay. So, there’s the update. I am officially retiring from baseball right here, right now. There might be something a little fun around the corner, in the upcoming weekend. But for Major League Baseball, I am done pitching.”

Lance Lynn – Dymin in the Rough

Lance Lynn went on to suggest that there was interest in his services during free agency, but not at the money he was looking for. Being home was something that was comfortable to him and he felt happy leaving his MLB career, as is.

The 13-year big league veteran — who last pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2024 — was drafted 39th overall by that same team in 2008. Lynn made his MLB debut with the Cards in 2011, and left the game wearing that same uniform.

Lynn struggled with the Twins big time

When Minnesota signed Lynn ahead of the 2018 season they were hoping that a guy who had been a key cog in the Cardinals rotation for six seasons would be able to help get their rotation over the top. He was supposed to pair with Ervin Santana (who started that season injured), Jake Odorizzi, Kyle Gibson and Jose Berrios in an attempt to win an AL Central Division title.

Unfortunately Lynn posted a lackluster 5.10 ERA across 20 starts, the worst ERA of his career, up until 2023. He walked 62 batters in 102 1/3 innings, and often looked fatigued. His weight was always a talking point, while he was in Minnesota.

Tyler Austin (5)

Opponent: Minnesota Twins
Pitcher: Lance Lynn
Date: 4/25/18 pic.twitter.com/2Fmy5tn6fs

— Yankees Home Runs (@NYY_HR) November 20, 2023

But once the Twins sent him to New York at the trade deadline — in exchange for Luis Rijo and Tyler Austin — he produced a 2.17 ERA in 54.1 regular season innings in the Bronx, before he imploded in the playoffs that fall. The Minnesota Twins finished 2018 with a 78-84 record, before firing manager Paul Molitor.

After his brief tenure with the Yankees, Lynn played for both the Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox. He posted a much better 3.42 ERA in 95 starts from 2019-2022. As was the case before his time with the Twins, he was once again a solid starter.

Related: At Least One MN Twins Player is Using Controversial New Torpedo Bat

It wasn’t until the final year with Chicago that he really blew up (6.47 ERA). Lynn owned a a 4.36 ERA with the Los Angeles Dodgers to close out 2023, and pitched 23 games for the Cardinals last year with a 3.84 ERA.

He leaves the game as a two-time All-Star and World Series champion with St. Louis during his rookie season. He was never a true ace, but constantly a key cog in multiple rotations. Lynn made just over $95 million during his big league career and can now enjoy life on the couch with his family.

Another weekday gone, another roster dump for the Minnesota Twins:

Sources: zach duke to Mariners

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2018

Sometimes, the changes that have happened over the last 10 years, when it comes to how sports news is reported, make me want to laugh. I don’t mean to bring down big timers like Jon, in the least. They’ve been pushed to this by the internet age. Zach Duke isn’t even capitalized. That’s how important it is to be the first one. If you got the text message, so are other reporters. You don’t even have the 7 seconds it takes to correct your phone. That shit is just funny.

Moving on.

So, Zach Duke gets traded after a very mediocre stint with the Twins, that didn’t even make it to the partnership’s first trade deadline. Duke, like most other pitchers brought in during last offseason, is on just a one year deal and set to hit free agency when the 2018 season comes to a close. Duke will do his best to get back to the pitcher he was two years ago before requiring Tommy John Surgery immediately after the 2016 season, causing him to miss most of 2017.

In return, the Twins received (IF) Ryan Costello and (P) Chase De Jong. As has been the narrative, the Twins didn’t get anything stellar back in return. “So-so” is what Parker Hageman of TwinsDaily.com calls it. Here are both prospects’ stat tables from MiLB.com

Ryan Costello:

Chase De Jong:

I’d say the #MNTwins wound up getting so-so value out of Zach Duke.

Ryan Castello, 3B, a little old for low-A (22) but has some power: league-leading 16 HRs in Midwest League.

Chase De Jong, RHP, reportedly has a very good curveball but just an OK low 90s fastball.

— Parker Hageman (@ParkerHageman) July 30, 2018

That’s not all the news that came out though, this afternoon. Eduardo Escobar was close to Twin fans’ hearts but trading Brian Dozier may lead to more rioting on our facebook page than even Escobar did. He is the ultimate piece that, WHEN traded, will have the detractors yelling “Pohlad Pocket Protectors!”. But, it looks like he is more likely to go, than to stay. Most of us already knew this but the writing looks to be thicker and thicker on that locker room wall…

There’s still a strong sense that the #Twins will deal Brian Dozier to a contender by the deadline, even though no obvious fit jumps off the map.

— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 30, 2018

And before I can even finish this post, Lance Lynn has now been moved to the Yankees. Off the bat (how do you like that pun), this looks like a guy that some really like and others have given up on. Brandon Warne from ZoneCoverage.com says below, that part of his issues have been health related…

It looks like nobody wanted Lance Lynn more than the Yankees. And for Lance, he now gets to go back to a place where he was very good, for a team that has a REAL chance at winning the whole damn thing. Good for him.

Former top-100 guy. Big raw. Can really hit, has struggled to stay healthy. https://t.co/mUGf5FChre

— Brandon Warne (@Brandon_Warne) July 30, 2018

For the record, I never like negative news surrounding one of my teams and nobody likes to see franchise staples be traded away from the Twin Cities. Unfortunately, that’s just how the MLB works. This is how teams operate when the deadline comes, depending where they are sitting in the standings that season. You can hate that if you want. But, that’s what’s been proven throughout the league, for any team outside of Boston and New York. It’s about gaining assets. In professional baseball, more than any other sport, top prospects fizzle out and lower-tier guys end up with long professional careers. It’s a numbers game.

And, if you believe that this is how every competent MLB front office would operate (which I do), then it’s difficult to get out my pitch fork. We can’t let our impatience from the incompetence of the past affect how we treat this new regime. They deserve SOME of the patience and time that the last regime got. So, that’s what I’ll give them.

At least until I see what they do with the $100 Million they will have to spend this offseason….

Eric Strack
Minnesota Sports Fan (@RealMNSportsFan)

As Minnesota gets set for this weekend’s three-game series  vs the Tampa Bay Rays, the A.L. Central leading ballclub should be plenty rested. Between a bullshit April blizzard, and off days surrounding the Puerto Rico trip, the Twins have played two games (25 innings, though) over the past week.

With their next trio of contests taking place away from Target Field, there’s no need to sweat the forecast. The Rays play their home games at Tropicana Field.

Tropicana Field is the Metrodome’s doppelgänger pic.twitter.com/egaWEWfFoL

— Johnny Minnesota (@TheJohnnyMN) April 20, 2018

Sidebar: My sources say there’s no chance there of a dome collapse due to snow.

After Lance Lynn takes the mound on Friday, barring any unforeseen events, Kyle Gibson will do the same on Saturday. While Lynn and Gibson have already combined for five starts, Sunday’s pitcher will be making his MLB season debut:

Sunday starter? Phil Hughes looks ready for first start for #mntwins since July, @LaVelleNeal reports https://t.co/jMLt6KOs53 pic.twitter.com/DW5rUewv6C

— Star Tribune Sports (@StribSports) April 20, 2018

Per LaVelle E. Neal III, the 31 year-old, Phil Hughes, will be activated from the disabled list in time to start Sunday against Tampa Bay. The move comes in anticipation of next week’s four game series vs. the Evil Empire:

Hughes’ appearance will mark the end of Paul Molitor’s previously employed four-man rotation.

Minnesota’s next (scheduled) off day isn’t until May 17th. With their best pitcher from 2017, Ervin Santana, expected to return around that time, how long Hughes stays among the reigning A.L. Manager of the Year’s Top 5 starters will remain to be seen.

The 2004 first round draft pick is coming off of a 2017 season that was a doppelgänger of his 2016 campaign.

Latest setback ‘disheartening’ for Phil Hughes, who could face 2nd season-ending surgery in 12-plus months. https://t.co/cfZ0RmNz1E

— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) July 18, 2017

According to our friends at the Mayo Clinic, “Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib are compressed.” While that breakdown makes the condition sound worse, Hughes has expressed that he FEELS better.

#MNTwins MiLB results: Fort Myers wins 5-4. Phil Hughes pitched a second time this season with the Miracle and grabbed the win. His line: 5 innings, 3 hits, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K.

— Martin Schlegel (@mschlegel34) April 15, 2018

Good to hear. Let’s hope that his feeling-better equates to pitching better. Despite starting his Twins’ tenure strong, his last two (shortened) seasons have been brutal.

Phil Hughes’ Twins Career:

Johnny Minnesota (@TheJohnnyMN)
MinnesotaSportsFan.com

2018, am I right? What a time to be alive! Literally, though:

Today, my 2nd child (first son) came into the world AND the @Twins signed Lance Lynn to complete easily their best offseason in my 28 years.

What a day. pic.twitter.com/aslSZekv5D

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) March 10, 2018

Aye!!! I’d give Minnesota Sports Fan founder, Eric Strack, kudos for the above accomplishment, but let’s give credit where credit is due. A HUGE shout-out to the mother, baby boy, big sister, Thad Levine, and Derek Falvey.

While Eric and his family welcome their new addition, the rest of us will address the newest member of the Minnesota Twins family:

Source: Lance Lynn and #Twins have agreed to 1-year, $12 million guaranteed deal. @MLB @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) March 10, 2018

With the signing of 30 year-old Lance Lynn, Minnesota has put the proverbial bow on an outstanding offseason. The notable acquisitions, which were most recently highlighted by Logan Morrison, now hand the spotlight over to the former St. Louis Cardinal.

Lynn’s Career Stats:

After missing the entire 2016 season (Tommy John), the right-hander bounced back last season with an impressive 3.43 ERA over 186.1 innings. For comparison purposes, Ervin Santana completed his 2017 campaign with a 3.28 ERA over 211.1 innings. While, most recently, the tenured Twin outperformed (barely) the new guy, Lynn’s career ERA (3.38) is better than that of Santana’s (4.02).

Putting the finishing touches on what has been an outstanding offseason for the Twins, who just kept making smart, solid, inexpensive additions. https://t.co/E3NeLWDUZA

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) March 10, 2018

Indications are that Minnesota will begin their 2018 campaign using a four-man rotation. If that’s the case, with Santana out until late April/early May, Lynn will join Jake Odorizzi, José Berríos, and Kyle Gibson as the club’s initial starters.

via GIPHY

Per Mike Berandino of the Pioneer Press, the Twins could offset some of Lynn’s $12 million contract “by cutting ties with veteran right-hander Anibal Sanchez.” Nothing personal, Anibal. Business is business.

While we enthusiastically put on our Paul Molitor hats and salivate over this Minnesota roster, not all fan bases are experiencing the same euphoria:

I like that. While the Vikings got smacked around by a Philadelphia franchise, it’s good to see the Twins (albeit slightly) aggravate the “City of Brotherly Love.” And, what Philly fans will do when upset is scary to think about, given how they celebrate when things go well…

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

When the Twins traded for Jake Odorizzi, indications were that Minnesota wasn’t done searching for another starting pitcher. As of Saturday morning, Falvey and Levine are like an eleven-person family, grocery shopping. They’re still exploring the market.

Since the steal-of-a-deal Odorizzi transaction, the options for our most plausible new hurler have remained the same. Despite being considered the top free agent starting arm still available, mentions of Minnesota’s interest in Jake Arrieta have been few and far between. When it comes to talks of signing a rotation-ready arm, Lance Lynn and Alex Cobb have dominated that conversation.

However, the total combined mentions of those two free agents still doesn’t seem to get near the amount of discussion surrounding a potential trade for Chris Archer.

So, with those three horses (Lynn, Cobb, and Archer) leading the race, which is the best option?

If all things were equal, for multiple reasons, the answer to that question is Chris Archer. Unfortunately, someone who considers trading away, let’s just say… Max Kepler, Nick Gordon, and a/an additional prospect(s) is equivalent to the Pohlad’s signing a check, is embarrassingly bad at math.

yeah, not even close on that one. you’d likely have to start with Kepler, Gordon and then go from there.

— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) February 21, 2018

In the above Tweet, Rhett Bollinger (Twins beat reporter for MLB.com) was replying to a fan who was inquiring about a hypothetical trade for Archer.

Let that sink in for a second. Going and getting the 29 year-old sounds terrific until you realize how much juice it would take to get the job done.

With that being said, trading for Chris Archer means acquiring his franchise friendly contract (2020 & 2021 (in red) represent club option years):

In regards to the perspective dollars per year Lynn and Cobb will command, that’s up in the air. It won’t be as expensive as the $20 million a year we offered Yu Darvish, but not as cheap as Archer’s deal.

Since we took a stab at Darvish, we’ve added $9 million to our 2018 payroll (Odorizzi and Anibal Sanchez). If they had 20 fat ones set aside for Yu and spent 9 of those smackers on the two mentioned pitchers, there has to be 11 still sitting somewhere (there’s SO MUCH f*cken more than that).

On top of that, a reminder that after this season, Joe Mauer and Ervin Santana’s contracts will be off the books.

Joe Mauer $ value per @fangraphs:

Pre-2011
$182m

Post-2011
$116.8m

Career earnings:
Pre-2011
$34.025m

Post-2011
$161m

Total worth- $298.8m
Total paid- $195.025m#MNTwins

— Ted Schwerzler (@tlschwerz) February 23, 2018

The way I see it, rather than trading away the farm to acquire the highly coveted Archer, signing Lynn or Cobb is a much better option. In regards to which I think they should get, I don’t give a shit (reports indicate Minnesota prefers Lynn). Their career ERA’s are basically the same (3.38 for Lynn, 3.50 for Cobb). Additionally, each is 30 years-old with one Tommy John surgery under their belt.

As you can see from the comparison below, both the former St. Louis Cardinal (3.38 career ERA) and Cobb (3.50 career ERA) had better ERAs in 2017 than Chris Archer:

2017 Stat Comparison

• Lance Lynn – Record: 11-8, ERA: 3.43, IP: 186.1, WHIP: 1.229
• Alex Cobb – Record: 12-10, ERA: 3.66, IP: 179.1, WHIP: 1.221
• Chris Archer – Record: 10-12, ERA: 4.07, IP: 201.0, WHIP: 1.259

To close, keep in mind that there is a good chance none of these proverbial ponies reach the end destination that is a Minnesota Twins uniform.

In the event that occurs, the Paul Molitor managed ball-club may acquire a more off the radar option, or just begin the season with their current options. Like an actual day at the track, anything can happen.

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

Minnesota baseball fans have been expressing their desire for the Twins to bolster their 2018 pitching rotation. Your wish is the Pohlads’ command.

It has been announced that the Paul Molitor managed ball-club agreed to terms with the soon to be 34 year-old Anibal Sanchez.

Per source w/direct knowledge, non-guaranteed Anibal Sanchez deal w/#mntwins is akin to an arb-eligible contract. Gets $410,000 (30 days’ termination pay) if cut by Day 16 of spring camp, $615,000 (45 days’ term) if cut between Day 17 and Opening Day. https://t.co/edWH4pHFzI

— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) February 17, 2018

If you didn’t catch the sarcasm in the earlier “Your wish is the Pohlad’s command” line, all of the outs we have in this deal should make that attempt at humor evident. My passive-aggressive approach is nothing personal against the former Marlin and Tiger, as a person. No, no no. It’s just that the Venezuelan native’s stats from the last three seasons are, to be politically correct, piss poor:

Over those 415 2/3 innings, Sanchez has registered an ERA of 5.67. For comparison purposes, Detroit’s 5.36 team ERA was the worst in the majors, last year. Our newest acquisition was a member of that very staff. Funny how that works…

To give the right-hander some credit, he was lights-out in 2013. That season, his 2.57 ERA over 182 innings was good enough to finish fourth in the Cy Young voting. If, and that’s a very legitimate if, Sanchez makes the opening day roster, let’s hope he can accumulate an ERA closer to that of five years ago, rather than last year’s 6.41.

The Vikings just leaned on a bargain bin right-hander they acquired during last summer’s offseason. Who’s to say Minnesota’s baseball team won’t have their own version of Case Keenum? Like throwing money on the Twins to win the World Series, my heart is in the right place. With that said, DO NOT hold your breath on that absurd scenario.

Since 2013, Anibal Sanchez has seen a dip in his avg fastball velocity every year.

Was at a career low 91.2mph in 2017.

— Ted Schwerzler (@tlschwerz) February 16, 2018

Falvey and Levine, whether it be via free agent or trade, are very much exploring their options on acquiring a different, higher-valued starting arm. Naturally, that’s a wonderful idea! If they weren’t, I’d be smashing the proverbial panic button.

Since we’re not at that stage, the adjective I’d use surrounding Friday’s signing, would be concerned. The concern being that Lance Lynn and Alex Cobb will get eaten up by other teams, no trade will be made, and Sanchez ends up making the opening day roster. From there, the past-his-prime pitcher, gets absolutely rocked in his team debut. We’re only in the first week of April and Twins Nation goes managerial-style psycho.

Only time will tell. Who knows? Maybe my currently aggressive caffeine levels are causing an overreaction.

On the bright side of things, we are only one move away from having ourselves a new ace:

More like Chris A Chair, amirite? Take a seat. pic.twitter.com/MW5MX0klBw

— Johnny Minnesota (@TheJohnnyMN) February 14, 2018

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

Chris Gimenez to the Cubs… Is Darvish next? #MNTwins

?: @TheJohnnyMN https://t.co/vNpsDUoCni

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) January 23, 2018

Yes.

After a marathon battle of cat and mouse, the back-and-forth between Yu Darvish and the MLB free agency market finally came to an end on Saturday. The 31-year-old pitcher agreed to a six-year, $126 million deal with the Chicago Cubs.

Breaking: Yu Darvish has agreed to a six-year, $126 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. (first reported by The Athletic, confirmed by ESPN) pic.twitter.com/XvZ0UMAkFh

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 10, 2018

Well, so much for the whole Mike Napoli recruiting Yu Darvish to sign with Minnesota thing. That whole story was as epic a reach as that one Michael Jordan dunk in Space Jam? Twins fans were supposed to be encouraged that a player, who’s not EVEN on our team, would help land one of the two most sought after free agent pitchers? As much as I wanted it to, that one didn’t pull the wool over my eyes.

Anywho, it’s on to the next one. F*ck it. The initial domino has FINALLY fallen. Yu Darvish, like the recently engaged Carson Wentz, is off of the market.

Carson Wentz is now engaged, 9 years after nearly suffering a dating career ending injury #Eagles pic.twitter.com/kcqoP27TS1

— Old Player Tweets (@OldPlayerTweets) February 6, 2018

Per Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press, a rival club official said he still expected the Twins to land a starting pitcher but was “not sure which level they go to.”

As for other free agent pitchers available, Jake Arrieta is now, hands-down, the most coveted starting hurler available. Financially, the former Cy Young Award winner has the potential to top Darvish’s deal. Here are the 31 year-old’s numbers from the last few seasons:

In the event Arrieta is anywhere near his 2015 self, someone out there is getting a bonafide ace. Personally, considering his age and his downward-trending numbers, I’m good without Jake the Snake. Plus, he shaved his patented beard:

Jake Arrieta looks completely unrecognizable after shaving beard pic.twitter.com/Mg3eBBALJL

— Bush Leaguer (@BushLeague101) October 22, 2017

After Arrieta, there’s a drop-off to the next tier of talent, which includes Alex Cobb and Lance Lynn. Cobb (30 years-old) is coming of a 2017 campaign with the Rays, where he finished with 12-10 record (29 starts) and a 3.66 ERA. As for Lynn (30 years-old), the longtime St. Louis Cardinal, posted an 11-8 record (33 starts) with an ERA of 3.43 last season. Those numbers are right there with what Arrieta posted in 2017. As for how much Cobb and Lynn will get paid, that won’t be right there with the former Chicago Cub.

Berardino also reported that the Twins are continuing to explore starting pitchers such as Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi.

The way I see it, outside of avoiding Arrieta and his fat price tag, I don’t give a shit who they bring in at this point. Just bring in someone decent, please. With Ervin Santana set to miss the start of the season with a finger injury, this potential rotation sounds rough…

Twins opening day rotation

José Berríos
Adalberto Mejia
Kyle Gibson
Trevor May
Aaron Slegers pic.twitter.com/g1WfrSedPC

— Jared Rubado (@JaredRubado) February 10, 2018

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com