White Sox Pitcher Dylan Cease Expected to Stay with Team for Opening Day
In a surprising turn of events, it appears that Dylan Cease will remain with the Chicago White Sox for the upcoming season. Despite being a popular trade target, General Manager Chris Getz has stated that he expects Cease to be the team’s Opening Day starter.
The speculation surrounding Cease’s future intensified after the Milwaukee Brewers traded their ace hurler, Corbin Burnes, to the Baltimore Orioles. Many wondered if the White Sox would follow suit and make a trade before the start of the season. However, Getz’s recent update suggests that this is unlikely to happen.
“I expect him to be our Opening Day starter,” Getz confidently announced during a media interview. This statement reaffirms Manager Pedro Grifol’s previous decision to name Cease as the Opening Day starter for their game against the Detroit Tigers.
Despite the interest from other teams, the White Sox have been reluctant to part ways with Cease due to their high asking price. The New York Yankees, in particular, were involved in trade talks but negotiations broke down when the White Sox requested outfielder Spencer Jones, the Bombers’ top prospect, to be included in the deal.
According to a general manager who spoke with the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, the White Sox’s asking price for Cease was extremely high. Heyman tweeted, “I will add: that was a quote from a GM, and I can’t blame the White Sox considering the value of ace pitchers.”
As spring training approaches, it seems increasingly likely that Cease will remain a key member of the White Sox’s pitching rotation. Fans will have to wait until Opening Day to see if he lives up to the team’s expectations and proves himself as a valuable asset on the mound.
In a stunning revelation, it has been reported that the Chicago White Sox are holding out for a hefty price in exchange for their star pitcher, Dylan Cease. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the team is demanding “two premium prospects and two others” in return for the talented right-hander. This steep asking price has deterred potential suitors during the offseason, but things could quickly change.
Despite the lack of progress in trade talks, there is still a possibility that a deal could materialize sooner rather than later. With the unpredictability of injuries during spring training, a contender could find themselves in need of a reliable arm and be forced to engage with the White Sox. The urgency of other clubs could also play a role in expediting the trade process, whether it be during the regular season, at the trade deadline, or even next winter.
One factor that could work in favor of a trade is Cease’s contract situation. He is set to make a substantial $8 million in 2024, making him an attractive asset for teams looking to bolster their rotation for multiple seasons. With control over Cease until 2025, acquiring him before the trade deadline would provide a team with stability and a formidable presence on the mound.
While the White Sox may not be expected to be competitive in 2024, they are open to making a deal if the right opportunity presents itself. Baseball Prospectus’ PECOTA projections paint a bleak picture for Chicago, predicting a last-place finish in the American League Central and fewer than 70 wins. Given this outlook, it is likely that the White Sox would be willing to part ways with Cease if it means strengthening their future prospects.
As the trade rumors continue to swirl, it remains to be seen when a deal will ultimately be struck. White Sox general manager Rick Hahn acknowledged the fluidity of the situation, stating that the timing of a trade is uncertain. “It could be in the offseason, it could at the deadline, it could be in May,” Hahn said. With 29 other clubs in the mix, the possibilities are endless.
In conclusion, the trade saga surrounding Dylan Cease is far from over. The White Sox are standing firm on their demands, but the right circumstances could lead to a breakthrough. Whether it happens before the start of the season or further down the line, one thing is for certain – Cease’s future hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
According to the Source heavy.com