White Sox’s “Crazy Price” for Dylan Cease Surfaces, Excessive Demands Seemingly Stall Trade Talks

The Chicago White Sox are actively seeking a trade. It involves their right-handed pitcher, Dylan Cease, this December. Ensuing a noticeable decline in Cease’s performance in 2023 after standing as the runner-up for the 2022 American League Cy Young Award, expectations are skyrocketing. But can one really afford the massive fluctuations in performance? 

Shaky performance is not uncommon among top players. But this setback in form has influenced the White Sox’s approach to potential trades. To make things clear, in 2023, Cease experienced a downturn with his ERA. He dipped from a commendable 2.20 last year to 4.58 in 2023. Despite that, the price tag on Cease poses the question of why he has not been traded yet. 

Clubs Putting off Trade Due to the White Sox’s Exorbitance

Amid trade talks, the Cincinnati Reds surface as the most likely suitor for Cease. Their aim for 2024 is to bolster their pitching lineup with a top-tier arm. However, discussions reportedly hit a roadblock due to the South Siders’ exorbitant asking price. Not just that, the club even asked for astounding budding talents in return. 

Some sources indicate that the White Sox sought a combination of prospects from Cincinnati. A discussion between Gordon Wittenmyer and Jason Williams of Cincinnati.com is worth mentioning in this situation. Williams mentioned Nick Krall’s dilemma, “I know the White Sox were asking the Reds a crazy price for Dylan Cease. Chicago wanted Edwin Arroyo, Rhett Lowder, Connor Phillips, and at least one more prospect. Do they think Krall is Santa Claus? That’s enough to put you on the naughty list all by itself.”

Watch This Story:  Mets Gear Up For Yamamoto Showdown: Going All In Amidst Intense Yankees Pursuit

These players are not only newcomers but also growing prodigies. It’s worth comparing this scenario to past trades. For example, the Reds’ acquiring Edwin Arroyo from the Seattle Mariners for Luis Castillo reveals a disparity in market value. This makes it all the more evident why Cease remains with the White Sox to date. 

What Does the Future Hold for Dylan Cease?

As the trade discussions go on without conclusion, it becomes growingly evident that Chicago’s insistence on a high price is impeding potential deals for the 27-year-old. Evidently, the market landscape has evolved over the last 16 months. Yet, with no other team agreeing to meet such demands, the pitcher’s future remains unsettled. 

Read More : Despite Strong Yoshinobu Yamamoto Links, Are the Mets Set to Trade for This 2022 Cy Young Contender?

In this situation, there are more than a couple of things to consider. The pitcher is still young and heavily capable. Given that, would any of the clubs adhere to Chicago’s demands? On the flip side, if they were to agree, does Cease hold enough credibility to prove that he is worth a massive price tag? Only time will tell how the trade saga turns out.