Minnesota Twins to sign Lance Lynn, per report

According to multiple reports (Jon Morosi, Jon Heyman), the Minnesota Twins are signing former St. Louis Cardinals right hander Lance Lynn to a one-year contract. The contract is reportedly for $12 mil with incentives making it possible for Lynn to make $14 mil in 2018.

That amount is certainly something that the Brewers could have afforded, which leads me to believe that he wasn’t a target of the organization. Lynn’s statement that he had offers for more money but preferred his fit with the Twins and their chances to win over more money (per Morosi) may indicate that even if the money had been right, Lynn could have been concerned about his role with the Brewers once Jimmy Nelson returns.

David Stearns has made several recent comments that the Brewers are unlikely to add any players before this season’s Opening Day, and perhaps he is being honest and not just engaging in GM speak. The contract for Lynn sets the market for Alex Cobb, who could still be on the Brewers’ radar. Milwaukee may possibly also have interest in former Cub and Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta, who is looking almost certainly searching for a contract on a whole other plane.

I’m penciling in Brent Suter to the rotation. He has looked solid in his major league career, and has looked very good this spring. Plus he gives a great interview - his time with BA and Rock today was awesome. But adding either Cobb or Arrieta would solidify the rotation for Milwaukee and make it possible to stash Junior Guerra, Brandon Woodruff, and Aaron Wilkerson on the AAA roster in Colorado Springs. It could make it more difficult for Wade Miley and Yovani Gallardo, although a long relief assignment for either is a possibility. Last season’s late call up and early spring sensation Taylor Williams is looking to carve himself a spot in the pen, and his 96+ fastball could just get it for him.

(I’m penciling in Brent Suter to the rotation. He has looked solid in his major league career, and has looked very good this spring. Plus he gives a great interview - his time with BA and Rock today was awesome.)

Will Arrieta hold out for the multi-season deal similar to that achieved by Yu Darvish, even if it takes him past the start of the season? Or will he join those signing one year deals and looking to total free agency next season, with no draft pick loss for the signing teams? Could the Brewers entice him to Milwaukee with, say, a one year, $30 mil deal and a player option for 2019?

This has been a most fascinating off season. Now that the owners’ collusion has run it’s course, the players can do their one year deals and join next season’s free agent class to make for a very active hot stove.