Chicago White Sox' Ace Opens Up on Trade Rumors and Speculation as Spring Training Opens

As Chicago White Sox' ace Dylan Cease starts his spring training, he knows he'll be traded eventually. Bob Nightengale of USA Today spoke with Cease about his emotions and going about his business despite the noise.

Chicago White Sox' ace Dylan Cease has reported to Chicago White Sox spring training despite an offseason full of noise and speculation that he'll be traded.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the organization has been up front with Cease and has told him that he will be traded when a team meets their asking price, whether that's before the season or at the trade deadline. At various points this offseason, he's been connected to the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners.

As for Cease, he says he just goes about his business and is looking to be the best version of himself.

From the article:

The uncertainty, combined with the wild speculation is enough to drive anyone bonkers, but Cease insists it doesn’t bother him, which is reflected by his demeanor in the clubhouse. The White Sox have 69 players in camp, and about half are newcomers to the organization.

Yet there is Cease, walking around introducing himself, hanging out with his teammates. He’s not going to change who he is just because he may not be around long enough to see opening day.

“It’s one of those things where why wouldn’t you give everything you had?" Cease says. “In a social sense, I’ve got nothing to lose by making a friendship or a connection with somebody. 

The 27-year-old Cease struggled in 2023, just as the White Sox did. He went 7-9 with a 4.58 ERA. He's still an elite strikeout artist, fanning 214 batters in 177.0 innings. Lifetime, he's 43-35 with a 4.58 ERA and he did finish second in the AL Cy Young voting in 2022. The talent remains tantalizing and he's under contract for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

The White Sox finished fourth in the American League Central in 2023 and seem destined for a similar fate this year, especially if they move Cease.

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