St. Louis Cardinals Officially Cut Ties With Another Top Veteran Lance Lynn Due To Performance Struggles
The St. Louis Cardinals have officially moved on from longtime pitcher Lance Lynn, ending another chapter with a veteran who once played a key role in the team’s rotation. The decision to part ways comes as the organization continues to reshape its pitching staff and move in a younger direction following a disappointing 2024 season.
Lynn, 37, rejoined the Cardinals in the offseason on a one-year deal after several seasons with other clubs, including the White Sox and Dodgers. The move was originally viewed as a sentimental reunion and a low-risk attempt to add veteran experience and leadership to the starting rotation. However, things quickly took a turn for the worse.
Through the first half of the 2024 season, Lynn struggled mightily with his command and velocity. His ERA climbed above 5.00, and he surrendered more home runs than any other pitcher on the staff. Despite the hope that he could stabilize a rotation that desperately needed consistency, Lynn simply couldn’t recapture the form that made him a dependable starter earlier in his career.
The Cardinals gave him several chances to find his rhythm, even moving him around in the rotation and trying to limit his innings. However, the inconsistency persisted. With the team slipping in the standings and younger arms waiting in the wings, the front office ultimately decided it was time to cut ties.
President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but emphasized the team’s long-term vision.
“Lance has meant a lot to this organization over the years,” Mozeliak said in a statement. “But at this point, we have to make decisions that are best for the future. We’ve got young pitchers that deserve a shot, and this move opens up opportunities for them.”
Lynn’s release marks the end of his second stint with the Cardinals. He was originally drafted by St. Louis in 2008 and played a crucial role in the team’s success during the early 2010s, including their 2011 World Series championship. Known for his bulldog mentality and durable arm, Lynn made over 200 starts during his first run with the club.
His return in 2024 was meant to be a homecoming of sorts, but it didn’t unfold as planned. Now, with the season slipping away and the team entering a transitional phase, it made more sense to let Lynn go and focus on developing younger arms like Tink Hence and Michael McGreevy.
It’s unclear if Lynn will retire or attempt to catch on with another team, possibly in a long relief role. Given his experience, there may still be interest from clubs seeking veteran depth. However, his future as a starter appears to be in serious doubt.
For the Cardinals, the decision reflects a shift in direction. With a focus on youth, rebuilding, and regaining competitiveness in the NL Central, cutting ties with a veteran like Lynn shows that tough decisions are being made — even when they involve beloved former players.
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