Earlier in the offseason, it appeared highly likely that the Chicago White Sox would trade Dylan Cease before Opening Day. However, the demand for the star player has diminished significantly since then. Nevertheless, a potential trade with the Chicago Cubs, their local rivals, could now be a viable option.
Although there is no concrete evidence of ongoing negotiations, it would be a logical move for both teams to consider relocating Cease to the Cubs. The White Sox are keen on trading Cease as part of their continuing rebuilding efforts, while the Cubs, with MLB.com ranking them as possessing the second-best farm system in the league, urgently require reinforcement in their starting pitching rotation to enhance their competitiveness in the 2024 season.
Considering this situation, a potential trade scenario between the Cubs and the White Sox could unfold as follows:
Cubs acquire: Dylan Cease (Right-Handed Pitcher) White Sox acquire:
Jordan Wicks (Left-Handed Pitcher), Hayden Wesneski (Right-Handed Pitcher), David Bote (Infielder)
In the 2023 season, Cease posted a record of 7-9 with a 4.58 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and 214 strikeouts, signaling a decline from his impressive performance in 2022. It is worth noting that the White Sox’s poor defense was a contributing factor to Cease’s challenging year. Despite not making the All-Star team, Cease’s exceptional 2.20 ERA in 2022 ranked third in the league. Additionally, his consecutive AL Pitcher of the Month awards in June and July made him the first White Sox pitcher to achieve this feat in back-to-back months.
Earlier in the offseason, Cease was generating significant interest in the trade market. Several teams, including the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, and others, were rumored to be interested in the 28-year-old pitcher. However, no deal materialized. Reports from January 7 indicated that the White Sox were seeking “a package of at least two top-100 prospects and two other players” for Cease, a demand that one MLB general manager likened to asking for “the sun and the moon,” as quoted by Jon Heyman of the NY Post.
Despite the high demands, a survey conducted on February 22 by The Athletic’s Jayson Stark revealed that among 31 MLB executives, former executives, coaches, and scouts, 14 individuals believed Cease was most likely to be traded to another team by Opening Day.
Getting Cease would strengthen the Cubs’ somewhat unstable starting rotation. When examining the Cubs’ projected starting lineup for 2024, it’s evident that they lack a solid number two pitcher to complement Justin Steele. With Marcus Stroman departing in free agency at the end of 2023 and only newly acquired Japanese pitcher Shōta Imanaga as reinforcement, the rotation primarily relies on Steele as the ace.
Manager Craig Counsell mentioned on February 24 that he intends to employ a sixth starter this season, especially while Imanaga adapts to pitching every five days. Thus, the rotation is likely to be structured as follows:
- Justin Steele (Left-Handed Pitcher)
- Shōta Imanaga (Left-Handed Pitcher)
- Kyle Hendricks (Right-Handed Pitcher)
- Jameson Taillon (Right-Handed Pitcher)
- Javier Assad (Right-Handed Pitcher)
- Jordan Wicks (Left-Handed Pitcher)
Imanaga, despite needing adjustment to the five-day pitching schedule, is a left-handed pitcher like Steele, positioning him better as a third starter rather than a second. Hendricks, a seasoned veteran, returned well post-shoulder surgery in 2022 but is no longer the top-of-the-rotation pitcher he once was, likely slotting under Imanaga.
The Cubs’ starting rotation feels incomplete without a strong second starter following Steele, leaving a gap that needs filling. Recognizing this gap, the Cubs have shown interest in free-agent pitchers Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery. Both Snell and Montgomery initially sought long-term contracts in free agency, but as options diminished during the offseason, they have adjusted their demands.
The White Sox secured Cease with a one-year, $8 million deal for 2024, with two more years of club control before potentially hitting free agency after 2025. This makes him an attractive trade prospect for the Cubs, as they aim to capitalize on their immediate competitive window.
While uncertain if the Cubs are currently considering acquiring Cease, it could be a future possibility to bolster their rotation. If a trade involving Cease were proposed, both teams have motivations to consider the deal. The Cubs would offer Jordan Wicks, Hayden Wesneski, and David Bote, with Wicks being a significant loss due to his potential as a promising young pitcher within the organization.
On the other hand, the White Sox could benefit from adding pitching depth and infield support. Bote could find a solid major-league opportunity with the White Sox, filling a need at second base. Wicks and Wesneski could serve as valuable assets for the White Sox, particularly if Wesneski can return to his impressive form displayed in 2022.
The White Sox seek a package including “at least two top-100 prospects and two other players” for Cease, potentially prompting a request for an additional player in the trade. While the Cubs may not be actively pursuing Cease, acquiring a top starter remains a priority for their playoff aspirations. If not addressed before Opening Day, the Cubs may pursue a trade for a starter at the midseason deadline.
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