It was anticipated that the New York Yankees will pursue Vladimir Guerrero Jr. during the trade deadline or in free agency. The Yankees’ hopes of signing him were dashed, though, as he reportedly agreed to a 14-year, $500 million agreement with the Toronto Blue Jays.
They might, however, change course and add some quality at this year’s trade deadline if Guerrero’s potential doesn’t influence their choices. They could go after Dylan Cease of the San Diego Padres, according to Joseph Zucker of Bleacher Report.
“By keeping Cease in particular through Opening Day, San Diego showed it’s aiming for the postseason, and an 8-2 start justifies that belief,” Zucker said. “Should the Padres’ fortunes take a turn, the Yankees could seemingly try to re-open negotiations over Cease or pursue a reunion with King.”
The Yankees, who have long been looking for a top first baseman, might have been a perfect fit for Guerrero. But the Yankees’ rotation would be shaken by a deal for Cease and then re-signing him.
After the season, Cease will be a free agent, making him a strong contender for a trade if the Padres’ season begins to falter. According to Spotrac, Cease will get a free agent contract worth $108 million for five years. He would also be less expensive than a deal for Guerrero, and that is much less than the Yankees would have been willing to pay him.
When healthy, the Yankees would have Cease, Max Fried, and Luis Gil as a trio if they were to acquire him in a trade. They would also be including Gerrit Cole in the mix if they continued to have him after that.
In 10 2/3 innings pitched thus far this season, Cease’s ERA is at 3.38. He has a 3.40 ERA over the last three years, has made more than 30 starts in four straight seasons, and has twice placed in the top five of the Cy Young Award vote.
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