Dodgers Rumors: Atlanta Braves Emerge as Competitors in Dylan Cease Trade Talks
A few weeks ago it was reported that the Dodgers were in active talks to land Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Dylan Cease, but so far nothing has come to fruition. With the winter meetings coming up shortly, we could finally see some movement on this front.
But we can now add some competition into the mix for the starter. MLB insider Bob Nightengale is reporting that the Atlanta Braves have entered into the equation for Cease. He also mentions several other suiters as well.
Cease has been a target of the Dodgers for a while now, and it seems that the White Sox may finally be open to trading him. Their general manager said earlier this winter that all players were available, and the Dodgers seem ready to strike.
But losing him to the Braves of all teams would be catastrophic for LA. Atlanta is the Dodgers direct competition at the top of the National League, and he would certainly help bolster their rotation.
Cease had a down year in 2023, but still showed flashes of why teams are so high on him. He posted an ERA of 4.58 over 33 starts and had a WHIP of 1.42. He also struck out 214 batters over 177 innings of work.
However, in 2022, he showed how special of a pitcher he was. He posted an ERA of 2.20 over 32 starts and came in second in the Cy Young Award voting for the American League.
LA likely prefers Cease to other pitchers because he is under team control for two more seasons. And he is a durable pitcher, having made at least 32 starts in each of his last three seasons.
Hopefully, LA gets more aggressive and can make a trade happen. They are very familiar with doing business with the White Sox, and maybe that will help move things along.
Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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