As the MLB offseason unfolds, one name that continues to surface in trade talks is Dylan Cease, the 28-year-old right-hander for the Chicago White Sox. The team’s new general manager, Chris Getz, faces the challenge of rebuilding the roster after two underwhelming seasons. Cease, with two years of club control left before hitting free agency in 2025, emerges as a prime candidate for a trade that could yield significant returns for the White Sox. In this analysis, we explore six intriguing trade proposals and potential landing spots for Dylan Cease.
The Gerrit Cole Blueprint
A notable comparison arises when examining the potential trade trajectory for Dylan Cease—the case of Gerrit Cole in 2018. Cole, then 27 years old, had two years of club control remaining and was coming off a season that, while healthy, was perceived as somewhat disappointing. The Pittsburgh Pirates traded him to the Houston Astros in exchange for four young players, setting a precedent for how teams might approach a similar situation. Cease, despite a dip in performance from his 2022 AL Cy Young Award runner-up finish, remains an attractive option for teams seeking starting pitching.
The Orioles’ Pursuit
Why it makes sense:
The Baltimore Orioles have long been in search of a frontline starter to elevate their roster. While the pursuit has been ongoing, recent developments position them as potential suitors for Dylan Cease. The Orioles, armed with the game’s No. 1 farm system according to MLB Pipeline, can leverage their prospect capital to secure a pitcher of Cease’s caliber. This move aligns with the Orioles’ strategy of avoiding the intense competition in the free-agent market and opting for a trade solution.
Potential trade return:
- C/1B Samuel Basallo (MLB Pipeline’s No. 46 prospect)
- 2B/OF Connor Norby (Orioles’ No. 7 prospect)
- LHP Cade Povich (Orioles’ No. 11 prospect)
- INF Ramón Urías
Who says no?
The proposed return appears strong, but the White Sox might hesitate without acquiring a top-tier prospect like Heston Kjerstad (MLB Pipeline’s No. 24 prospect) or Coby Mayo (No. 27 prospect). Cease’s reported high asking price, considering his age and two years of team control, may prompt the White Sox to reassess their stance. The Orioles, on the other hand, might be cautious about parting with their top prospects, given their unexpected success and potential future opportunities to strengthen the rotation.
Evaluating the Trade Landscape
As trade discussions surrounding Dylan Cease intensify, other teams may enter the fray with compelling proposals. The dynamic nature of the MLB offseason keeps the trade market fluid, and various factors will influence the final outcome of Cease’s potential move. Each proposed trade scenario brings its own set of challenges and opportunities, underscoring the complexity of navigating the trade landscape in pursuit of pitching excellence.
