Daniel Lynch is a left-handed pitcher and a former first-round pick by the Kansas City Royals. He shares a physical resemblance to Chris Sale but carries additional weight. Regarded as a top prospect during his time in the minor leagues, he made his debut in 2021 and has since alternated between the majors and minors.
Assessing his overall performance, Lynch has accumulated 252 innings in the big leagues over three years, resulting in a 5.18 ERA. However, the evaluation suggests that his individual pitches should be considered rather than relying solely on overall statistics.
Starting with his fastball, Lynch exhibits precise command despite its unremarkable characteristics. While the velocity is moderate at 93 MPH, enhanced extension compensates, though improvements may be expected following a shoulder injury last season. There is potential for increased velocity, and adjustments to the release point could enhance the pitch’s shape, introducing an arm-side run and a flatter approach angle.
Examining his primary off-speed pitch, the changeup, it lacks an extravagant movement profile but proves deceptive and induces swings and misses. The pitch’s command is questionable, but even with suboptimal locations, it performs well, suggesting room for improvement with better control.
Lynch’s third offering, the slider, falls short and requires refinement. Positioned between a traditional slider and a cutter with uncertain command, adjustments are needed for it to become a viable major-league pitch. Consideration is given to adding a cutter and altering the slider’s drop to distinguish the two pitches, drawing parallels to a younger Eduardo Rodriguez.
In summary, Daniel Lynch is currently facing challenges in his performance, making him a bit of a gamble for any team. However, there is a belief that a change of scenery might unlock the potential that led to his first-round selection by the Kansas City Royals.
For the 2024 Boston Red Sox, Lynch could be a good fit due to his controllability, being just 27 and yet to hit arbitration. His potential as a mid-rotation starter adds to his appeal, especially considering he’s a 6’6″ left-handed pitcher, a rarity in the baseball world. In a scenario where the Red Sox are not going all-in for the season and are leaning towards a bridge year, Lynch becomes an attractive option.
However, there are concerns about Lynch’s ability to provide the quality innings needed to keep the Red Sox competitive, especially given his past performance. The team’s past struggles in the late stages of the season highlight the importance of reliable pitchers. Lynch, despite his talent, is not a guaranteed solution.
As for the cost of acquiring Lynch, the author admits uncertainty and speculates on a potential trade scenario involving Bobby Dalbec. The lack of concrete information makes it clear that this is mere speculation rather than verified news.
The author acknowledges that trading for a pitcher with a career ERA over five might not excite fans, but they argue that under the surface, Lynch possesses discernible skills. The emphasis on Lynch’s ability to command his fastball and the potential for improvement with the right coaching suggests a nuanced perspective on his capabilities.
The final section addresses the potential reactions of readers, inviting them to return to either criticize or commend the author based on Lynch’s performance if he were to join the Red Sox. It concludes with a light-hearted request to follow the author on Twitter.
