Chicago White Sox ace and former American League Cy Young runner-up Dylan Cease has been on the MLB trade block all offseason long.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, things are intensifying in terms of trade talks between Chicago and other teams. Some now believe that we could have a deal ahead of the MLB Winter Meetings early next week.
Cease, 27, is among the most attractive trade candidates for teams in need of help in the rotation. He’s under team control through the 2025 season and has a track record of success.
- Dylan Cease career stats: 43-35 record, 3.83 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 10.8 K/9
This past season saw Cease struggle to an extent with a 4.58 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in 33 starts for the Sox. However, he did finish second in the AL Cy Young voting back in 2022 — posting a 2.20 ERA and 1.11 WHIP.
There have been numerous contending teams linked to Cease throughout the offseason. With things now hitting a fever pitch, let’s check in on four ideal destinations.
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Atlanta Braves add another arm to rotation
Morosi pointed to the Braves as a potential destination. It should not come as too much of a surprise given that Atlanta has been linked to him in the recent past. The defending NL East champions missed out on Aaron Nola and Sonny Gray during MLB free agency. It has a need behind ace Spencer Strider in the rotation after finishing in the middle of the pack in team ERA a season ago.
The Braves could very well dangle No. 2 prospect, pitcher, Hurston Waldrep, in talks with Chicago. If the White Sox are looking for more quantity on their farm, pitcher J.R. Ritchie or infielder Ambioris Tavarez become options.
Los Angeles Dodgers pull off blockbuster Dylan Cease trade
With Clayton Kershaw indicating that he’ll miss a majority of the 2024 season after undergoing shoulder surgery, the Dodgers are between a rock and a hard place in the rotation. Sure, they have been linked to Japanese sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto. But there is a ton of competition on that front. Los Angeles also needs to add more than one arm with Lance Lynn having signed in St. Louis and Julio Urias unlikely to be back with the team.
The good news for Dodgers fans hoping to acquire Cease? Los Angeles boasts one of the top-six farm systems in baseball, according to MLB.com. Any offer could start with either Nick Frasso or Gavin Stone, the Dodgers’ top-two pitchers down on the farm.
Related: One team linked to Dylan Cease in MLB trade rumors
San Francisco Giants add top arm to the rotation
We already know that Giants President Farhan Zaidi is going big-game hunting this offseason. Most recently, reports indicate that he has his eye on reigning American League MVP Shohei Ohtani and the aforementioned Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Let’s say the Giants are able to pull off the improbable and land Ohtani. That would still lead to a need in the rotation with him unlikely to pitch in 2024.
Cease would be a great option in the Giants’ pitcher-friendly ballpark. He could act as San Francisco’s No. 2 behind reigning NL Cy Young runner-up Logan Webb. In return, the Giants offer up a top-five prospect to get this done.