It looks like the Chicago Cubs are getting desperate.
After an offseason that started with high expectations, Cubs’ general manager Jed Hoyer has made some moves, but not enough. The trade for Kyle Tucker was a bold and impactful one, but beyond that, it’s been a slow offseason. While the Cubs do have strong top starters in Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga, their pitching depth remains a major concern—a concern that Hoyer has largely overlooked until now, when options are limited.
Now, the Cubs are in talks with veteran pitcher Lance Lynn on a one-year contract. This is the kind of move that has Cardinals fans shaking their heads and laughing. Lynn, who turned 37 and spent last season with the Cardinals, is far from the Cy Young candidate he once was. He’s bounced around the league recently, and his numbers have been in steady decline since a peak in 2021 with the Chicago White Sox.
Lynn posted a 3.84 ERA and 1.34 WHIP last season, which are decent stats, but his performance was aided by St. Louis’ defense and some luck. His velocity hit a career low, and his expected ERA (xERA) was 4.94, signaling that his decent numbers might not be indicative of his true level of play. In short, Lynn is more of a borderline MLB pitcher now, not the dominant force he used to be.
Cubs fans and analysts are rightly questioning whether Lynn can still handle a full starter’s workload, and it’s hard to believe he’ll have much of a positive impact. Given his decline, it’s no surprise that the Cubs couldn’t secure him on a Minor League deal. Yet here they are, negotiating with Lynn as if he’s a key to improving their rotation.
Cardinals fans, meanwhile, are likely chuckling at the prospect of facing Lynn multiple times in the season. If Hoyer believes Lynn can meaningfully elevate the Cubs’ pitching staff, it’s time for him to reconsider—and perhaps end these talks altogether.
