Latest On Dylan Cease

White Sox GM Not Lowering Asking Price for Cease

Dylan Cease is at the top of the list for teams looking to improve their rotations through trades, but White Sox general manager Chris Getz is not willing to budge on his asking price, according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers. Other teams have found the ask to be multiple top prospects, along with additional lower-end talent. The White Sox are not interested in trading their top starter for just one top-tier prospect.

This lines up with previous reports that the White Sox requested a package from the Reds that included last year's first-round pick Rhett Lowder, as well as top prospects Edwin Arroyo and Connor Phillips in exchange for Cease. Other teams have also been hesitant to part with high-end talent from their farm systems.

The Braves reportedly inquired about Cease and offered infielder Vaughn Grissom, among others, but the White Sox declined. Grissom eventually went to the Red Sox in the Chris Sale trade. The Yankees, despite their interest in Cease, are unlikely to further deplete their farm system after acquiring Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo earlier in the offseason. Outfield prospect Spencer Jones is also unlikely to be included in any potential deal, according to Rogers.

Speculation on Cease's Potential Move

While trade talks have yet to gain traction, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic predicts that Dylan Cease will be moved before the season begins. The demand for starting pitching outweighs the supply available in free agency, and the asking price for other available pitchers like Jesus Luzardo would likely exceed the ask for Cease. Cease has two years of club control remaining, while Luzardo has three.

Several teams, including the Red Sox, Orioles, Yankees, Rangers, Angels, Giants, Dodgers, and Padres, could all benefit from rotation upgrades. The Cardinals, despite signing three free agent pitchers, still showed interest in Cease.

White Sox GM Chris Getz has been tight-lipped about potential trades involving Cease. He stated that Cease would only be moved for the right deal, there is no urgency to make a trade, and many teams have shown interest in the right-hander.

Cease's Value and Potential Future

Although Dylan Cease had a rough season with a 4.58 ERA and a slightly lower strikeout rate, he still showed promise. He had a high swinging-strike rate and maintained a solid average fastball velocity. Cease also has a strong track record of making starts and is projected to have an affordable salary in arbitration. His control extends until the 2025 season, making him an appealing trade target.

Any team that acquires Cease would see him as a potential bounce-back candidate and would have him under control for two seasons before potentially receiving a compensatory draft pick. While there is a chance of an extension with Cease, Boras Corporation clients typically test free agency. However, there have been instances of Boras clients signing extensions.