Similar as last year, the Braves are being linked to Dylan Cease, who is the subject of trade rumors. Per Pat Ragazzo, Atlanta, along with the Mets, have spoken to the Padres about a potential trade for Dylan Cease and Michael King.
“According to sources briefed on the situation, the Mets have spoken to the San Diego Padres about star pitchers Dylan Cease and Michael King who are both available via trade.
The NL East rival Braves are another team who are in need of starting pitching and have talked to the Padres about both Cease and King, sources say,” Ragazzo wrote.
Last year, this exact situation was going on. In fact, the Braves tried trading for the Georgia native, and exactly one year ago today, Alex Anthopoulos confirmed to fans that he did try to make a deal during Braves Fest while interviewing on 680 The Fan.
Braves fans were telling Alex Anthopoulos to trade for Dylan Cease
"We already tried. Too expensive" pic.twitter.com/FWSCvBIHVu
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) January 31, 2024
Last offseason, Cease was coming off a campaign in which he posted a 4.58 ERA, not exactly inspiring for someone who was going to cost an arm and a leg in trade talks. Eventually, the White Sox struck a deal with the Padres, and Cease went on to finish the 2024 season with a 3.47 ERA, 224 strikeouts, 1.067 WHIP, and 4.8 fWAR.
Is it possible that the 2025 offseason is different than last year? Cease will surely test free agency next offseason, as all Scott Boras clients usually do. If he turns in another Cy Young-caliber season, he’ll cash in. What incentive does he really have to sign an extension? Security? He just has to stay healthy, and then he’s going to sign a nine-figure contract.
For the Braves, are they really willing to give up their top prospects for a one-year rental? That’s a question for Alex Anthopoulos.
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David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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