St. Louis Cardinals Sign Big-Name Free Agent Starting Pitcher

The St. Louis Cardinals recently announced the return of right-handed pitcher Lance Lynn on a one-year contract worth $10 million, with an intriguing club option for the 2025 season valued at $12 million.

Lynn's homecoming is particularly noteworthy, as he was initially drafted by the Cardinals and spent the first six seasons of his MLB career in St. Louis.

Cardinals, RHP Lance Lynn reportedly agree to 1-year deal with an option for 2025, per @MLBNetwork Insider @JonHeyman. pic.twitter.com/h1jYhNTpRr

— MLB (@MLB) November 20, 2023

Despite facing challenges in the 2023 season, including a 5.73 ERA and 44 home runs allowed over 32 starts, he maintained an impressive 191:67 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 183.2 innings.

Adding an interesting twist to the contract, Lynn has the potential to earn up to $13 million in 2024 through performance incentives, with a $1 million buyout option attached to the 2025 season.

The Cardinals are optimistic that Lynn's return to their spacious home stadium, Busch Stadium, will help reduce the issue of home runs, and they have placed him in a prominent role in their rotation alongside pitchers Miles Mikolas and Steven Matz.

Right-hander Lance Lynn and the St. Louis Cardinals are in agreement on a one-year contract with a club option that guarantees around $10 million, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN. Lynn, 36, was drafted by Cardinals and returns, pending physical, as they rebuild rotation.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 20, 2023

Over his 12-year career, the 36-year-old holds a 3.74 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, with 1,906 strikeouts across 1,889 innings and 341 appearances.

As fans eagerly await his performance in the upcoming seasons, Lynn's comeback to St. Louis carries the promise of a revitalized chapter in his career. Photo Credit:  Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports