The Cincinnati Reds began the offseason with a bang, trading Jonathan India for Brady Singer, and all indicators pointed to a memorable winter. Since then, Cincinnati has passed on several big names, the most recent being top arm Garrett Crochet. The Reds’ name being mentioned among trade candidates and free agents suggests that the franchise is ready to rush in and steal a top target at any time. What better way to move on from Crochet than to sign Dylan Cease, his former teammate?
Cease was traded from the Chicago White Sox to the San Diego Padres just before the 2024 season, when the Friars were scrambling to put together a roster capable of competing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Padres went all in, but despite excellent seasons from co-aces Cease and Michael King, they fell one win short of upsetting division foe Dodgers in the National League Division Series.
San Diego is now facing an offseason in which they could lose important bats Jurickson Profar and Ha-Seong Kim. As a result, Cease may be on the trading block.
After missing out on Garrett Crochet, the Reds could pursue another former White Sox ace: Dylan Cease
Cease prides itself on dependability. He has led his league in games started in three of his four complete pro seasons and has twice finished in the top five in Cy Young voting. Some criticize Cease for his high walk rate and wildness, but his endurance outweighs any control difficulties.
Despite the addition of Singer and the re-signing of Nick Martinez, the Reds will require rotation workhorses. Only one staff member, Hunter Greene, surpassed 150 innings in 2024, and Cincinnati may rely on Rhett Lowder to carry a significant burden. Using an innings-eater, such as Cease, can alleviate the workload.
San Diego may be willing to work with the Reds, whose most prized trade asset is their prospects. The Padres sold a large amount of their farm system to bring in Cease and Luis Arráez in 2024, while other elite prospects, such as Jackson Merrill, have graduated to the majors. The Reds might entice the Friars with top-tier but risky prospects like Connor Phillips.
The Reds still have to address their most important need: the outfield. Pitching may not be at the top of the front office’s priorities, but if it is, Cease may be an excellent match.
Leave a Reply