Former Chicago cubs farmhand anticipated to be traded to division rivals
The Chicago Cubs could find themselves competing against their ex-draft choice within their division for a few years if this forecast proves accurate.
During the offseason, the Chicago Cubs explored the possibility of acquiring a high-caliber starting pitcher, including the option of trading for their former prospect. Despite having a strong farm system, the Cubs refrained from pursuing their ex-draft pick and instead opted to sign Shota Imanaga.
The Chicago White Sox are expected to retain their top pitcher until the trade deadline, presenting another opportunity for the Cubs to potentially reclaim their 2014 sixth-round selection, Dylan Cease. Cease was part of a trade in July 2017 that saw him move to the White Sox in exchange for Jose Quintana, along with other players.
For the Cubs to strike a deal with their city rivals, they would likely need to be in contention for the NL Central division title with strong playoff prospects. The Cubs’ front office under Jed Hoyer has shown a cautious approach, indicating that they may only pursue significant trades if they have a legitimate chance at winning.
The upcoming season is expected to see competitive matchups among the Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, and the revamped St. Louis Cardinals as they vie for the division championship.
Kerry Miller from Bleacher Report suggests that the St. Louis Cardinals could potentially acquire Dylan Cease from the Chicago White Sox during the trade deadline, as per their NL Central rivalry.
Miller believes that while Baltimore has been a commonly proposed destination for Cease, the Cardinals could be the most logical choice. Given the high demands set by the White Sox in previous trades, acquiring their star pitcher with two years left before free agency would require substantial assets.
The potential acquisition of Cease by the Cardinals could be viewed as a strategic move for the long term. St. Louis recently signed Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn on one-year deals with club options, indicating a need for a durable pitching rotation. Cease might be considered to complement Sonny Gray in their pitching lineup in the future.
If this scenario unfolds, it would be a bitter pill for the Cubs to swallow. Not only did they witness their former prospect nearly clinch a Cy Young Award with their crosstown rivals, but they may also have to compete against him within their own division for years to come.
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