BREAKING NEWS: Dodgers’ NL West Rival Makes Huge Blockbuster Trade Ahead of 2024 Season
The Padres, the Dodgers’ NL West rivals, have made a significant move just before their trip to Korea. They are reportedly finalizing a trade for right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease.
This move somewhat surprised observers, as the Padres’ interest in Cease wasn’t reported until recently. Nonetheless, just before departing for Korea, they’ve bolstered their rotation with an ace-level pitcher, addressing a pressing need.
Cease will join Joe Musgrove and Yu Darvish to form a formidable top of the rotation for San Diego. While the Dodgers are unlikely to face Cease during their trip to Korea, they’ll encounter him frequently in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
BREAKING: The San Diego Padres are finalizing a trade to acquire right-hander Dylan Cease from the Chicago White Sox, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 13, 2024
With under two years of team control and a relatively modest price tag of $8 million this season, Cease presents an attractive option for the Padres. Despite a challenging 2023 campaign where he struggled with a 4.58 ERA in 33 starts, Cease showcased his potential in 2022 with a stellar 2.20 ERA in 33 starts, earning him a runner-up spot in the American League Cy Young voting.
Cease had been a subject of trade rumors involving the Dodgers, who reportedly attempted to acquire him in a deal centered around Michael Busch earlier this offseason. However, the White Sox declined the offer and have now opted to send him to the Padres, their NL West counterparts.