Sports Media

Best Available MLB Players on 2023 Trade Block: Dylan Cease

Dominic Gutierrez / MLB / July 20, 2023

Best Available MLB Players on 2023 Trade Block: Dylan Cease

To say the White Sox are having a disappointing season is an understatement. Currently sitting at 40-57, the white flag is being waived as the White Sox plans to sell at the trade deadline. They have a plethora of trade candidates, and the biggest piece is Dylan Cease.

The Numbers

Stats as of July 19, 2023: 4-3, 4.18 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 129 SO, 107 IP

Cease ended the 2022 season in second-place for the AL Cy Young Award. His performance in 2023 hasn’t been anything close to that, but Cease is finding his stride at the perfect time.

Over his last seven starts, the ace has produced a 3.40 ERA with 55 strikeouts over 39 innings. His strikeout percentage took a slight dip from 2022, dropping from 10.4% to 9.6%. Cease does remain in the top 10 of strikeout leaders in the AL, so that slight dip hasn’t shown too much negatives.

A lot of the blame can be put on Chicago’s horrendous defense. It’s fair to say Cease has been unlucky, as his FIP is only 3.76.

Potential Destinations

It was reported that the Astros see Cease as a “dream target,” although the team’s asking price is extremely high. After all, the right-hander does have two years of club control left. If a team like the Astros wants to make a move, it’ll cost a high price. Prospects such as Drew Gilbert would have to be the centerpiece.

Other common buyers such as the Yankees (lol), Dodgers and Braves could also take a swing. The Reds could also be a dark house, but I believe their farm system is more important to them than one pitcher. There hasn’t been much noise around Cease besides the Astros, so it’s fair to say they’re the frontrunners.

The Verdict

It seems to be Houston or Bust. Even though the White Sox are committed to selling, they don’t have to cave in. If they can’t get an offer they like, controlled guys like Cease could stay. The White Sox could take the retooling route, and only trade players with expiring contracts. However, the Astros seem to have their dream set on the ace. The farm system is deep enough to get it done, so it’s whether the White Sox think it’s enough.

One thing is for sure: If the Astros get their hands on Cease, there’s no team getting in their way of another World Series title.