Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Lance Lynn Announces Retirement After 13-Year MLB Career

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Besnik Zekiri | Last updated Apr 1, 2025 1:30 PM ET

Lance Lynn, a fan-favorite during his time with the Chicago White Sox, has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball. The veteran right-hander shared the news on his wife’s podcast, ending a 13-year career that saw him pitch for six teams and earn two All-Star selections.

Lynn was a key figure in the White Sox’s 2021 AL Central championship run, a rare bright spot in a rebuild that ultimately failed to meet expectations. Chicago’s brief competitive window yielded just two postseason wins—one in 2020 and another in 2021—but Lynn’s fiery demeanor and no-nonsense attitude endeared him to fans. That year, he also finished third in the American League Cy Young race, helping lead one of the best pitching staffs in baseball.

Lynn was 25-22 with a 4.23 ERA in 3 seasons with the #WhiteSox. He was named and All-Star and finished 3rd in AL Cy Young voting in 2021. pic.twitter.com/cMyNFNwArf
— White Sox on CHSN (@CHSN_WhiteSox) April 1, 2025

Gone But Not Forgotten

However, his career took a downturn after a knee injury at the end of spring training in 2022. Despite a strong second half that season, he struggled in 2023 as the White Sox collapsed to a 101-loss season. At the trade deadline, Chicago dealt Lynn and reliever Joe Kelly to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for pitchers Nick Nastrini and Jordan Leasure, signaling the start of another rebuild.

Lynn returned to one of his former teams, the St. Louis Cardinals, for the 2024 season, but struggled. He remained a free agent throughout the offseason, drawing interest from multiple teams, including the Cubs, before ultimately deciding to retire.

Over his career, Lynn accumulated 30.2 bWAR, made two All-Star appearances (2012, 2021), and finished in the top six of Cy Young voting three times from 2019 to 2021. He was also a key contributor to the 2011 World Series champion Cardinals, managed by Tony La Russa—who later managed him again with the White Sox.

Lance Lynn is a national treasure #WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/eHampeuKaG
— Sox On Tap (@SoxOnTap) March 19, 2023

What's On Tap Next?

Lynn leaves a legacy as a fierce competitor who never shied away from speaking his mind. His contributions to the 2021 White Sox will be remembered fondly, as he played a significant role in delivering the franchise’s first division title in 13 years.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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