Lance Lynn considers closing role as teams show interest

The veteran pitcher is open to a bullpen role as teams seek late-inning help.

Lance Lynn #31 of the St. Louis Cardinals looks on during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium on September 19, 2024, in St. Louis, Missouri. Photo by Joe Puetz/Getty Images

By Randy Ahmad and Widya Lestari

Lance Lynn is exploring a potential late-career shift that could see him transition from a starting pitcher to a closer. The 37-year-old free agent, who has spent the past decade as a reliable starter, revealed that several teams have asked about his interest in pitching the ninth inning. While he has not pitched out of the bullpen since 2018, the idea has piqued his curiosity.

Lynn’s agent, Kevin Lustig, recently informed him of the unexpected inquiries, leaving the veteran pitcher both surprised and intrigued.

“He said, ‘I got a couple of weird calls today,’” Lynn recounted. “I was like, ‘What? Did someone ask me for a minor-league deal?’ He started dying laughing and said, ‘No, they asked what you thought about being a back-end guy, a closer.’”

While Lynn has built his career as a durable starting pitcher, he is not unfamiliar with high-pressure bullpen situations. His former manager with the St. Louis Cardinals, Tony La Russa, once told him he had a “closer mentality.” Now, with several teams still searching for bullpen reinforcements, Lynn is considering whether the final phase of his career might involve locking down games in the ninth inning.

Teams looking for late-inning reinforcements

Multiple teams remain in the market for bullpen arms, and Lynn’s experience could make him an intriguing option. The Detroit Tigers, after signing free-agent reliever Tommy Kahnle, have expressed interest in further bolstering their bullpen. The Arizona Diamondbacks have also indicated a need for late-inning help.

The Los Angeles Angels, meanwhile, have reportedly told at least one agent that they have multiple bullpen spots to fill. The Cincinnati Reds, too, could look to add competition for closer Alexis Díaz, who struggled with consistency last season.

Lynn joins a group of experienced relievers still available in free agency, including Kenley Jansen, David Robertson, and Kyle Finnegan. While he does not have an extensive track record as a closer, he has pitched in high-leverage situations before.

Experience in the bullpen

Lynn was a key bullpen piece for the Cardinals during their 2011 World Series run, making five relief appearances and earning the win in Game 3. In Game 7, he delivered a crucial eighth-inning performance, retiring Texas Rangers stars Josh Hamilton, Michael Young, and Hall of Famer Adrián Beltré in order before handing the ball to Jason Motte to close out the championship-clinching victory.

Though he transitioned into a full-time starter the following season, Lynn has remained one of the most durable pitchers in the majors. Since 2011, he ranks sixth in total innings pitched (2,006 1/3), trailing only Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Zack Greinke, Clayton Kershaw, and Madison Bumgarner.

Last season, Lynn posted a 3.84 ERA across 23 starts for the Cardinals but was limited after July 30 due to right knee inflammation.

Weighing his options

Despite interest in his potential as a reliever, some teams still view Lynn as a viable starting option. He could be a fit for the San Diego Padres, who need rotation depth, or the Texas Rangers, who might see him as a swingman capable of both starting and pitching in relief.

The free-agent market remains crowded with starting pitchers, including Jack Flaherty, Nick Pivetta, Andrew Heaney, José Quintana, and Kyle Gibson. Given the competition, Lynn’s willingness to embrace a bullpen role could give him an edge in finding the right fit.

“You always love starting because I always tell everybody, it’s the best gig in all of sports,” Lynn said. “But if you’re not starting and have the ability to get outs in high-leverage situations at the back end of games, there’s no bigger thrill than that, either.”

Lynn has taken steps this offseason to ensure he remains in peak physical condition, adjusting his training regimen to prevent further knee issues. He also revealed that he has dropped from 280 pounds to a leaner 250-255 range, making him an even more imposing presence on the mound.

While he is intrigued by the possibility of becoming a closer, Lynn is not getting ahead of himself. When asked if he had considered what his entrance song might be, he laughed and said, “Let’s see where this takes us. We haven’t gotten that far yet.”

Whether he lands as a starter or a reliever, one thing is clear—Lance Lynn is keeping his options open as he looks to extend his career in a new role.