Waiting on Cease - The Athletic
Ava Arnold New White Sox general manager Chris Getz is telling clubs he likely will wait to move on right-hander Dylan Cease until after the top free-agent starting pitchers sign, according to major-league sources briefed on the discussions.
Getz could act sooner if gets an offer to his liking, perhaps from a team such as the Orioles or Reds, who are expected to refrain from the top of the free-agent market. But the advantage of waiting is obvious: The urgency of certain teams only will increase if they miss out on Yamamoto, Blake Snell and Co. Some clubs face such an acute shortage, they might be in on Cease even if they sign a top free agent.
The Dodgers, for example, need multiple starters. The Cardinals, sources say, remain interested in Cease even after signing Sonny Gray, Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn. It would be uncharacteristic of the Reds and Orioles to jump the market, and their appetite for Cease is unlikely to diminish if the White Sox wait.
Cease, entering his age-28 season, is under club control for two more years, one more than fellow trade candidates Corbin Burnes, Tyler Glasnow and Shane Bieber. His combined salary in arbitration over the next two seasons likely will be in the $25 million range. Glasnow, entering his age-30 season, will earn $25 million alone in 2024.