Michael Lynn: Everything you need to know

Lynn has announced his retirement from baseball, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. Lynn had been wanting to continue his career and was reportedly in talks with the Cubs last month about a major-league contract. However, he's ultimately decided to hang up his cleats. The 37-year-old finishes with 143 wins and a 3.74 ERA spread over parts of 13 big-league seasons. Lynn made two All-Star teams and won a World Series with the Cardinals in 2011.

The Cubs are in discussions with Lynn on a one-year, major-league contract, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports. The Cubs have been on the lookout for additional starting pitching depth and Lynn is one of the few legitimate rotation options still dangling on the free-agent market. In 117.1 innings with the Cardinals last season, the 37-year-old held a 3.84 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 109:44 K:BB.

Lynn has lost 20 pounds this offseason after dealing with nagging right knee issues during the 2024 season, Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic report. Lynn was limited to just 117.1 innings in 2024, which was his lowest full-season total other than in 2016 when he was recovering from Tommy John surgery. The 37-year-old went on the injured list twice with knee problems and decided he needed to drop some weight to take pressure of his knee if he wanted to continue pitching. A free agent, Lynn said he's been "surprised by the number of teams that have called" this offseason to express interest in signing him. The righty held a 3.84 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 109:44 K:BB in 117.1 innings across 23 starts for the Cardinals this past season.