Early Tuesday, rumors circulated that the Texas Rangers were close to acquiring Chicago White Sox right-hander Dylan Cease. However, it was later confirmed that the tip was not true at that moment. Nonetheless, two sources revealed that the teams had engaged in recent discussions. This news comes at a time when indications suggest that the White Sox are becoming more serious about trading Cease, and the Rangers are looking to bolster their starting rotation as they defend their championship in 2024.
The current rotation for the Rangers includes Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Andrew Heaney, Dane Dunning, and Cody Bradford. While not terrible, the Rangers ideally want to add a top-of-the-rotation pitcher as they wait for the return of injured starters Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, and Tyler Mahle after the All-Star break.
Initially, the Rangers had their sights set on free-agent left-hander Jordan Montgomery. Montgomery played a crucial role during the team’s march to its first World Series title after being acquired at the trade deadline. However, ownership hesitated, possibly due to uncertainty surrounding future local television revenues. As a result, Cease, who is earning $8 million and has another year of arbitration eligibility remaining, emerged as a better financial fit than Montgomery.
A potential second-half rotation consisting of Cease, Eovaldi, deGrom, and Scherzer would not only make the Rangers strong favorites to win the AL West but would also significantly improve their chances of becoming the first back-to-back World Series champions since the New York Yankees from 1998 to 2000.
Scouts from the White Sox and the San Diego Padres have been closely monitoring the Rangers’ camp, indicating their interest in Cease. However, the question remains whether the Rangers would be willing to meet the White Sox’s desired return, potentially involving utility man Ezequiel Durán and pitching prospects Brock Porter and Jack Leiter.
Durán, 24, proved valuable for the Rangers last season, excelling in multiple positions. Porter, 20, is ranked as the team’s fifth-best prospect, while Leiter, 23, was the second overall pick in the 2021 draft. Despite not meeting expectations thus far, Leiter holds promise for the future.
While Cease did not have as strong a season in 2023 as Corbin Burnes, his extra year of club control makes him an appealing asset. Rebuilding under new general manager Chris Getz, the White Sox have set a high bar for potential trades involving Cease.
It’s worth noting that other teams, such as the Padres and the New York Yankees, are also interested in Cease, and the White Sox are exploring the possibility of signing free-agent righty Michael Lorenzen as a replacement. The competition for Cease’s services highlights his potential value as an ace pitcher.
In conclusion, the potential trade involving Dylan Cease holds significant implications for both the Texas Rangers and the Chicago White Sox. For the Rangers, it presents an opportunity to strengthen their starting rotation and increase their chances of defending their championship title. On the other hand, the White Sox have the chance to acquire valuable assets in exchange for Cease, aiding in their rebuilding efforts under new management. As the trade talks develop, it’ll be interesting to see which team emerges as the frontrunner and how it will shape the future of both organizations.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the publication. This article is purely speculative and should not be considered financial or investment advice.