December 23, 2024

MLB Trade Rumors: White Sox’ Dylan Cease Attracts Strong Interest from Braves, Orioles Emerge as Contenders

MLB Trade Rumors: White Sox' Dylan Cease Attracts Strong Interest from Braves, Orioles Emerge as Contenders

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles have emerged as the frontrunners in the race to trade for Chicago White Sox star pitcher Dylan Cease.

The news comes in the wake of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ recent splash to solidify their rotation by acquiring Tyler Glasnow. That trade reportedly left the White Sox “disappointed,” partly due to their interest in pitching prospect Ryan Pepiot, who was shipped off to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Nightengale’s report makes sense, as the White Sox are no strangers to the Dodgers’ farm system, especially when it comes to pitching prospects. Chicago acquired Nick Nastrini and Jordan Leasure in a swap with the Dodgers at the 2023 trade deadline that sent Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly to Los Angeles. Pepiot was likely high on their list at the time.

Dylan Cease and His Suitors

Cease is looking to regain his 2022 form when he dazzled with a 2.20 ERA and finished a close second in AL Cy Young voting. Despite a 2023 season marred largely by inconsistency, the righty still managed to fan 214 batters in 177 innings of work. His potential remains unmistakably high.

The right-hander’s local roots in Milton, Georgia, add to the intrigue of him donning a Braves uniform. Cease’s two years of team control are certainly enticing to Atlanta, considering Max Fried’s impending free agency. However, that club control will only drive up the cost to acquire Cease.

Meanwhile, the Orioles’ need for a front-line starter is more explicit. But their reluctance to part with premium prospects and commit to a hefty extension could stall any potential trade, barring approval from the Angelos family. Cease has been linked to the Orioles in several rumors since the 2023 MLB trade deadline, and up to this point, the only thing holding them back from acquiring his services seems to be meeting the asking price.

Which team will meet Chris Getz’s asking price for Dylan Cease? Stay tuned to On Tap Sports Net for the latest developments in this whirlwind of trade talks.

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