Throughout the offseason, the Chicago White Sox actively sought to trade starting pitcher Dylan Cease. Among the interested parties were the Cincinnati Reds, though they ultimately found the White Sox’s asking price too steep.
Cincinnati wasn’t the only team hesitant about meeting Chicago’s demands. The Texas Rangers and several other clubs were also in contention for Cease. Ultimately, the San Diego Padres emerged victorious in acquiring Cease, parting with three of their top prospects, including Drew Thorpe and Jairo Iriarte.
Cease has started the 2024 season on a high note, establishing himself as one of the premier starting pitchers in the National League. His early success raises the question: Should the Reds have pursued Cease more aggressively during the offseason?
Will the Reds regret not trading for Dylan Cease during the offseason?
This past winter, the Cincinnati Reds found themselves in discussions regarding three major trade targets: Dylan Cease, Tyler Glasnow, and Shane Bieber. Glasnow ended up joining the Los Angeles Dodgers and secured a hefty contract extension. Bieber remained with the Cleveland Guardians but was later sidelined for the entire 2024 season due to an elbow injury. Cease, on the other hand, was traded to the San Diego Padres just before the regular season commenced.
Dylan Cease's 2Ks in the 1st. pic.twitter.com/BHaprFMnhr
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 10, 2024
For Reds fans keen on acquiring Cease, it was evident that such a move would heavily impact Cincinnati’s farm system. While the specific prospects involved in any potential trade remain unknown, it’s likely that the White Sox would have demanded players like Rhett Lowder, Chase Petty, or Connor Phillips from the Reds’ roster of prospects. Adding another top prospect such as Cam Collier, Sal Stewart, or Carlos Jorge might have sweetened the deal for Chicago.
This would have been a significant demand for the Reds, who have diligently built up their farm system over the past couple of years. However, Cease’s performance this season has highlighted his value, ranking among the top 10 in the league in ERA (1.99), strikeouts (27), WHIP (0.93), and batting average against (.130).
Instead of parting with their prospects, the Reds chose to sign Frankie Montas to a one-year, $16 million deal. While Montas has had mixed results in his initial starts, his addition provided a veteran presence to the rotation while allowing Cincinnati to retain its top young talent.
Cease’s contractual control through 2025 significantly contributed to his high asking price. The situation surrounding Cease’s performance will be worth monitoring, and if he continues to excel with All-Star or Cy Young-caliber performances, Reds fans might reassess the importance of maintaining a strong farm system.
