The Mets are playing it smart (and maybe a little cautious) with their pitching pursuit strategy. By opting out of long-term commitments to guys like Max Fried or Corbin Burnes, they’re sticking to their guns and avoiding big, risky deals that could tie them down financially in the long haul. But here’s the kicker: the team is all in on Dylan Cease, the rental ace from the Padres. 

And don’t be surprised if they’re also eyeing his rotation mate, Michael King. Cease, with his high strikeout stuff, could make the Mets’ rotation even nastier—all they’d have to do is get him for a few months. The Mets seem to be in a sweet spot with prospects like Brandon Sproat, Jett Williams, and Luisangel Acuña. The Padres, who might prefer to make a trade for younger, high-upside talent, could see the Mets’ offers as more intriguing in the long run. 

The New York Mets definitely have the goods to land Dylan Cease  

With the Padres reportedly asking for at least three top-25 prospects for Cease, the Mets can offer up some serious talent without gutting their entire farm system. They’ve got high-end pieces like Jett Williams, Luisangel Acuña, and Brandon Sproat, all of whom would be major gets for a Padres team looking to restock and reload. And honestly, if it’s a rental for a few months, they may not even need to part with their absolute best guys. 

Cease, with his filthy stuff, could instantly slide in as the Mets’ ace, giving them a legitimate No. 1 to pair with Kodai Senga, who’s been great himself. Add in a resurgent Justin Verlander and potentially even Max Scherzer (if he finds his groove), and suddenly the Mets’ rotation is looking elite. This would put them right in the thick of things in a loaded NL East and help them match up against anyone in October. Do you think they’d actually go all-in for Cease, or is there any hesitation you see on their end? Well, most fans are divided in their opinions. 

Fans react to the Padres asking for three top 25 prospects   

The argument against Cease being a traditional ace is that he’s a bit inconsistent, especially with his walk rate. A traditional ace is usually someone who you can count on for 200+ innings of top-tier performance every year. Cease doesn’t always check that box, especially when you compare him to more established, workhorse aces like Justin Verlander or Max Scherzer. His inconsistency in 2023 (especially giving up home runs) is where the debate starts, as highlighted by one user.

Another fan compared Cease with Tailon. It’s true that on the surface, Cease’s 2023 numbers don’t look drastically better than Taillon’s. For example, both had an ERA around 4.00 and similar WHIP numbers, and Taillon’s control is usually better. 

The Padres’ asking price for Cease—at least three top-25 prospects—might sound steep, especially when you compare his season with someone like Taillon. However, the market for frontline starting pitching is different, and teams value controllable pitching more than most other assets. Another fan pointed out that no one is going to trade for Dylan Cease as the Padres’ asking price is too high.  

One commenter mentioned Michael King, and there’s definitely an argument to be made that he could be a better fit in certain scenarios. King has already established himself as a valuable weapon in the Yankees bullpen, starting games with success in the past. In terms of cost, King would certainly be cheaper than Cease, both in terms of prospects and the risk involved. 

Another fan pointed out the high price the Mets will have to pay if going for Dylan Cease. Parting with three top 25 prospects feels steep, especially when you consider the uncertainty around Cease’s long-term consistency. It’s one thing if you’re trading for a generational talent like Juan Soto, but Cease isn’t quite that level of sure thing. He’s got the potential to be a difference-maker, but he’s also had some shaky stretches in his career. 

Now, these concerns are valid; Cease’s price might feel high, and compared to guys like Taillon, he’s not always consistent enough to justify the lofty prospect return. But the key point is that Cease offers more upside and long-term value compared to a typical mid-rotation starter like Taillon or even Michael King. If the Mets think Cease can transform their rotation into a championship-caliber staff, then parting with a few top-tier prospects could be worth it in the long run.

So, is it worth pulling the trigger on Cease at that price, or should they stick to a more conservative move with someone like King? Share your thoughts on this in the comments below.