Career Timeline of Lance Lynn: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Lance Lynn built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Michael Lance Lynn, a former MLB pitcher, played for six different teams from 2011 to 2024. His career spanned 13 seasons, during which he pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Lynn's career demonstrates longevity and versatility, having contributed to numerous teams across both leagues.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

June 2005: Drafted by Seattle Mariners

In June 2005, Lance Lynn was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the sixth round of the MLB draft, but he did not sign.

October 1, 2006: Quickest Exit for Cardinals Starter

On August 13, 2015, Lynn's shortest outing was the quickest exit for a Cardinals starter since Anthony Reyes on October 1, 2006.

2007: Ole Miss Strikeout Records Set

In 2007, Lance Lynn set the Ole Miss single season (146) and career (332) strikeout records. He was also named an All-Southeastern Conference second-team pitcher.

2008: All-SEC Second Team Pitcher

In 2008, Lance Lynn was named an All-Southeastern Conference second-team pitcher while playing baseball for Ole Miss Rebels.

2008: Drafted by the Cardinals

In 2008, Lance Lynn was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the MLB Draft from the University of Mississippi.

2009: Named Cardinals' Organizational Pitcher of the Year

In 2009, Lance Lynn was named the Cardinals' organizational Pitcher of the Year after excelling across three levels. His season included a 2.85 ERA and 124 strikeouts.

September 10, 2010: Redbirds' Single-Game Strikeout Record

On September 10, 2010, Lance Lynn broke the Memphis Redbirds' single-game franchise strikeout record with 16 strikeouts against the Oklahoma City RedHawks in a playoff game.

2010: Strikeout Leader Among Cardinals Minor League Pitchers

From 2009–2010, Lance Lynn led all Cardinals minor league pitchers in strikeouts with 141 in 2010.

June 2, 2011: MLB Debut

On June 2, 2011, Lance Lynn made his Major League Baseball debut with the St. Louis Cardinals.

February 2012: Announced Number Change

In February 2012, Lance Lynn arrived at Cardinals spring training and announced that he would begin wearing the number 31.

2012: National League All-Star Selection

In 2012, Lance Lynn was named a National League All-Star.

2012: Wins in April

Through his start on April 15, 2015, Lynn achieved his 50th career win, and with it his 13th win in the month of April since 2012, the highest total in MLB.

2013: Reached 200 Innings Pitched

In 2013, Lance Lynn reached his season goal of 200 innings pitched, finishing with 201+2⁄3 innings. He also posted a 15–10 record with 198 strikeouts and a 3.97 ERA.

May 27, 2014: First Career Complete Game and Shutout

On May 27, 2014, Lance Lynn pitched his first MLB career complete game and shutout.

2014: First Career Complete Game and Playoff Appearances

In 2014, Lance Lynn pitched his first career complete game against the New York Yankees, a shutout. The Cardinals made the playoffs again in 2014, and Lynn started one game each in the NLDS against the Dodgers and in the NLCS against the Giants, finishing with a 3.08 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 11+2⁄3 innings.

2014: Slimmer Look and Improved Performance

Lance Lynn showed up to 2014 Spring Training with an even slimmer look. During a Spring Training game on March 14, Lynn struck out 10 Atlanta Braves in four innings.

January 15, 2015: Contract Agreement with the Cardinals

On January 15, 2015, Lance Lynn and the Cardinals agreed to a three-year, $22 million contract, buying out his remaining years before free agency.

April 15, 2015: 50th Career Win

On April 15, 2015, Lance Lynn earned his 50th MLB career win.

August 13, 2015: Shortest Outing as Starter

On August 13, 2015, Lance Lynn had the shortest outing of his career as a starter, recording just two outs while allowing seven runs in a game against the Pirates.

2015: Season Record and Franchise Leader

Lance Lynn finished the 2015 season with a 12–11 record and a 3.03 ERA. He led all major league pitchers in fastball percentage (85.4%) and was the Cardinals' all-time franchise leader with 8.7 K/9.

August 15, 2016: Rehab Stint with Palm Beach Cardinals

On August 15, 2016, Lance Lynn began a rehab stint with the Palm Beach Cardinals, pitching 1+2⁄3 scoreless innings.

2017: Return to Cardinals and Free Agency

In 2017, Lance Lynn rejoined the Cardinals' starting rotation, finishing the year with an 11–8 record and a 3.43 ERA. After the season, Lynn became a free agent for the first time.

March 12, 2018: Signed with Minnesota Twins

On March 12, 2018, Lance Lynn signed a one-year, $12 million contract with the Minnesota Twins.

July 30, 2018: Traded to the New York Yankees

On July 30, 2018, the Minnesota Twins traded Lance Lynn and cash considerations to the New York Yankees for Tyler Austin and Luis Rijo.

December 18, 2018: Signed with the Texas Rangers

On December 18, 2018, Lance Lynn signed a three-year contract with the Texas Rangers for $30 million.

2019: Performance and Cy Young Award Nomination

In 2019, Lance Lynn posted a 16–11 record with a 3.67 ERA and 246 strikeouts. He led MLB in wild pitches and finished 5th in the AL Cy Young Award voting.

August 9, 2020: 100th Career Win

On August 9, 2020, Lance Lynn earned his 100th MLB career win against the Los Angeles Angels.

December 7, 2020: Lynn traded to the White Sox

On December 7, 2020, Lance Lynn was traded to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for pitcher Dane Dunning and prospect Avery Weems.

July 17, 2021: Lynn agrees to contract extension

On July 17, 2021, Lynn agreed to a two-year, $38 million contract extension with the Chicago White Sox, which included a club option.

2022: Lynn's 2022 Season

In 2022, Lynn started the season on the Injured List due to a meniscus tear. He was activated on June 13 and made his first start that day. He finished the 2022 season with an 8-7 record, a 3.99 ERA, and 124 strikeouts in 21 starts.

June 2023: Lynn Ties Strikeout Record

During a game in June 2023 against the Seattle Mariners, Lynn achieved a career milestone, striking out 16 batters in 7 innings. This performance tied a White Sox team record for the most strikeouts in a regular season game and also marked an MLB record for the most strikeouts in a game by a pitcher with an ERA above 6.00 at the start of the contest.

June 18, 2023: Tied Franchise Record for Strikeouts

On June 18, 2023, Lance Lynn tied the franchise record for most strikeouts by a White Sox pitcher in a single game with 16 strikeouts against the Seattle Mariners in 7.1 innings.

July 28, 2023: Lynn Traded to Dodgers

On July 28, 2023, Lance Lynn, along with Joe Kelly, was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Trayce Thompson, Nick Nastrini, and Jordan Leasure.