Chicago White Sox: 2021 grade for Lance Lynn

The Chicago White Sox had some brilliant players play brilliantly in 2021. The best of them, arguably, was Lance Lynn. There were some great pitchers on the team but it was hard to argue against Lynn as the best for the season. He was also the most impactful as the White Sox had a chance to win every game that he pitched.

In 2021, Lynn had a 5.4 WAR which is just outstanding. He earned that because of his 11-6 record, 2.69 ERA, and 1.070 WHIP. He had 176 strikeouts in 157 innings which is also just outstanding. All of these statistics led to his eventual nomination for the American League Cy Young. He came in third for the award which was very nice for him.

Lynn also pitched in the All-Star Game as a member of the American League All-Stars. He also started the Field of Dreams for the White Sox in Iowa and was really good. All of these things led to him being named to be the White Sox game one starter for the postseason. That game didn’t go well for Lynn or anyone else on the Sox but the Houston Astros were just better as a team.

For whatever reason, Lynn has struggled in his career against Houston. They seem to know how to attack him which led to his start being one that the team couldn’t win. It set the tone for what was going to come. With this in mind, you can’t use that against Lynn as he was truly amazing all year long.

2021 Final Grade: A+

The one playoff game isn’t bringing Lynn down from an A+. The Astros destroyed every White Sox pitcher and the White Sox couldn’t hit. It should not impact a grade for someone as he was truly one of the three best American League pitchers in 2021.

The winner of the Cy Young, Robbie Ray, didn’t even make the playoffs. Gerrit Cole, the runner-up, was destroyed by the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card Game. Lynn’s grade is an A+ because he was absolutely outstanding.

2022 Expectations:

Lance Lynn signed an extension with the White Sox in 2021. He will be with them in 2022 and should have another brilliant year. They have four pitchers who could claim the role of ace so it will be interesting to see their order but Lynn will certainly be relied on to be a significant contributor. Hopefully, he is able to capture some of what he had in 2021.