Could Orioles Finally Get Ace Now That Cease is Back on Market?
For a long stretch during the offseason, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before the Baltimore Orioles and the Chicago White Sox worked out a deal that would send Dylan Cease to the reigning AL East champions.
Despite Kyle Bradish finishing fourth in AL Cy Young voting and Grayson Rodriguez looking like a future star in the second half of the year, the obvious need on the roster was a true No. 1 starter.
With two years left before hitting free agency, Cease looked like the clear choice for the cash-strapped Orioles to pursue.
However, talks disintegrated when the White Sox would not budge off their high asking price that many executives around the league called ridiculous.
Baltimore pivoted and landed former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes instead, giving up a shockingly low price to get him.
Chicago seemed poised to take their ace into the season with them, content on waiting for offers at the trade deadline.
But, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that thought process might have changed with him saying he heard the Texas Rangers were interested in acquiring the star right-hander.
The reigning World Series champions aren't the only ones inquiring about the availability of the 2022 AL Cy Young runner-up either.
"The Rangers surely are not the only team interested in Cease. The Padres need rotation help. The New York Yankees, awaiting word on Gerrit Cole’s right elbow, reportedly checked in. Other clubs also could be in the mix," he writes.
It's been well-known that the New York Yankees had interest in putting together a blockbuster deal, and the San Diego Padres are looking to replace Blake Snell.
What is the most interesting line out of what Rosenthal said is the last part.
Who are the other clubs in the mix and is Baltimore one of them?
Sure, they landed Burnes, but if Bradish's elbow injury becomes more serious than anticipated, then they're back to being in a similar position as they were in 2023.
Of course, the front office will only be interested in making this move if they feel like the asking price has become more reasonable.
But once again, the Orioles are on Cease watch before Opening Day arrives.
