3 Mock Trades for Dylan Cease
Dylan Cease of the Chicago White Sox (Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports)
Dylan Cease has a few distinct features that make him an attractive target for almost half of the league. First is his durability, as he’s made at least 32 starts per year for three consecutive seasons. Second, Cease finished 2nd in the 2022 Cy Young voting and is still in his prime at 28 years old. There are only a handful of other guys available (e.g. Corbin Burnes) who have this kind of upside. Finally, in contrast to Burnes, Cease has two years of control, not one. This makes him more than a traditional one term rental player, and also gives the acquiring club a fair shot at extending Cease. When a one year rental player is acquired, the incentives for them to agree to extension just aren’t there when they are so close to hitting the open market. With these three factors in mind, let’s take a look at three mock trades for three different organizations to hypothetically land Dylan Cease and increase their chances of winning a World Series in 2024 and 2025.
Baltimore Orioles
In acquiring Dylan Cease, the Orioles get a true ace to head the rotation for both 2024 and 2025 that could complement a very young and talented offense. Neither Bradish nor Grayson would classify as an ace at this point, but they would create a nice 3 hole punch behind Cease. This also pushes Dean Kremer, John Means and/or Cole Irvin to the backend where they should be on a playoff caliber roster. They are giving up a big time prospect in Colton Cowser, a young athletic center fielder who may eventually be moved to a corner. Either way, Cowser brings defensive value and an above average overall approach to the plate. There is a lot of swing and miss (26.8% in AAA last year), but figures to be an All Star level outfielder if he can put it all together at the plate. In Seth Johnson, the White Sox get some organizational starting pitching depth. Since he does have command issues and plus stuff and the TJ surgery, there is a decent chance that he’s moved to the bullpen to have an impact at the major league level. This deal would make the Orioles a favorite in the AL East, and would give the White Sox a young outfielder with All Star potential.
Boston Red Sox
This trade would give Red Sox fans something to be excited about, more so than a Giolito signing or Chris Sale salary dump. A three headed attack of Cease, Bello, and Giolito makes this Red Sox pitching staff one to be taken seriously. I expect Giolito to have a good year, while Kutter Crawford as a 4 or 5 starter is a great place for him. The Red Sox will score runs as their lineup is projected, but the rotation is certainly lacking an ace and a Cease deal would change that. The Red Sox are sending Tanner Houck, who could be used as a starter going forward or moved to a bullpen role. Houck has 4 years of control left, yet also has a proven track record at the major league level, fitting the archetype of a young (somewhat) and proven controllable starter. Nick Yorke is a nice addition for the White Sox and he doesn’t really have a home anywhere in Boston with the Grissom trade. Finally, Wilyer Abreu gives the White Sox a 24 yo corner outfielder who showed he can hit at the major league level. I don’t think these guys fit the Red Sox roster right now, and the amount of talent would be a huge injection for the White Sox org.
Cincinnati Reds
I know the Reds have already inked both Nick Martinez and Frankie Montas, but Dylan Cease is too good of an opportunity to pass up. Similar to Baltimore, the Reds need to take advantage of these pre-arb years before their roster gets too expensive. Acquiring Cease still aligns with Reds POBO Nick Krall’s plan to not commit too much beyond 2025 to leave payroll space for extensions. If they do want to extend Cease they’ll have some time to do so, while also creating an opportunity to win the NL Central. Trading the centerpiece of the Castillo trade is certainly a high cost, but the Reds have a crowded infield anyhow. By dealing Marte, they could push Elly to third and keep McClain at shortstop. This also would allow them to keep Jonathan India at 2B if they wish, as opposed to trading him as many have suggested. Brandon Williamson is a backend starter, but he’s only 25 and he’s under control for six years. Regarding Marte’s upside, he should be an average third baseman, with significant raw power. Marte also has above average contact ability, and projects as an above average MLB player and potential All Star.
https://www.soxon35th.com/10-potential-trade-packages-for-dylan-cease-this-offseason/
https://www.baseballtradevalues.com/
*Stats are as of 1/2/24