MLB insider Jon Morosi has discussed how the Chicago Cubs would benefit by adding Dylan Cease to their starting rotation. This offseason the Cubs bolstered their lineup with some noteworthy additions. They signed three-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, starting pitchers Colin Rea and Matthew Boyd, and former World Series champion and reliever Ryan Braiser and reliever Ryan Pressly. The Cubs have a solid starting rotation stacked with left-handed pitchers Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga and Boyd. As well as right-handers Javier Assad Jameson Taillon, and Rea.
If Cease were to join the fold, the Cubs would be a force to reckon with in the National League, with a rotation that could rival any in the league. Cease would form a potent trio alongside Steele and Imanaga, both of whom are on the rise. Morosi believes this would give the Cubs a legitimate shot at competing in a tough division, adding depth to a rotation that already has potential but may need that extra ace-level talent to push them into postseason contention.
Jon Morosi Links Padres Dylan Cease to Cubs
Cease, who spent five seasons with the Chicago White Sox, would have an easy transition back to Chicago, where he established himself as one of the league’s brightest young arms. Last season with the Padres, Cease posted a 14-11 record and a 3.47 ERA, adding 224 strikeouts to his resume. His impressive strikeout rate of 29.4%, aided by a dominant slider, makes him a key asset for any team looking to strengthen their rotation. Cease’s fastball, clocking in at an average of 96.9 mph, is another weapon that could be lethal in the Cubs’ rotation.
Cease’s High Upside & the Padres’ Critical Decision
Though Cease’s walk rate (8.5%) remains a point of concern, his overall value far outweighs this flaw. With his contract expiring after the 2025 season, the Padres face a crucial decision. After a disappointing offseason marred by ownership struggles and their failure to land Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, trading Cease may be their best option. Dealing him could provide them with much-needed assets and help right the ship for the future.
For the Cubs, adding a pitcher of Cease’s caliber would be a major step forward, as they look to build a competitive team capable of challenging for a playoff spot. With the pieces in place, a trade for Cease could be exactly what the Cubs need to emerge as serious contenders in the NL and their own division.
Mets and Padres Deal Looks Unlikely, Cubs Emerge as Ideal Destination
Although there was some speculation surrounding the possibility of a trade between the New York Mets and Padres, those discussions may not come to fruition, as the Mets’ needs and the Padres’ asking price seem misaligned. With that deal likely off the table, the Cubs have emerged as an ideal destination for Cease. Their need for a top-end starter and their solid rotation infrastructure make them a more natural fit. This could be the trade that not only secures Cease’s future but also solidifies the Cubs’ push toward postseason contention.
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