Since the start of the MLB offseason, fresh rumors concerning Dylan Cease’s situation in the trade market have been circulating.
A few even proposed that a deal could have been reached prior to the Winter Meetings. In late November, Bob Nightengale expressed his belief to Chuck Garfien of NBC Sports Chicago that there is a “90 percent chance” the Sox will deal Cease.
The White Sox are at ease with Cease’s market, in their opinion. Since they aren’t set on selling the right-hander, they feel as though they have the upper hand in any trade talks.
During the Winter Meetings, White Sox assistant general manager Josh Barfield stated, “We’re in a position of leverage, because I don’t think we have to trade Cease.” It’s pleasant, you know. He is a very, very excellent pitcher that will undoubtedly help us next year, and we have two years of control over him. We need to listen to everyone and be intelligent at the same time.
“If we make a move, if we don’t, we’re just going to be patient and wait for the right one.”
The 27-year-old Cease has played with the White Sox in the major leagues for his entire five-year career. The Chicago Cubs, who had originally selected him in the draft, sent him and Eloy Jiménez to the South Side in return for Jose Quintana.
Cease joined the White Sox starting rotation as a starter right away in 2019. He reached incredible heights in 2022, finishing second in the Cy Young vote after pitching a scorching 227 strikeouts in a season with a 2.20 ERA.
After returning to Earth in 2023, he pitched 177 innings in 33 starts and finished with a 4.58 ERA. Nevertheless, his destiny as the league’s best pitcher is cemented. In addition to his remarkable longevity, opposition batters suffer greatly from his slider and knuckle curveball.
Cease is under club control with the White Sox for the next two seasons. They reached an agreement on a one-year contract worth $5.7 million in arbitration last season. Based on predictions from Spotrac, he should bring in about $8 million this season.