MLB Rumors: Dylan Cease buzz, Braves-Cardinals trade, Reds snoozing

MLB Rumors: White Sox listening to offers for RHP Dylan Cease

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Chicago White Sox ace Dylan Cease can be had for the right price. Now, the “right price” is expected to land quite high — probably too high for anyone to actually convince the Sox to trade the 2022 Cy Young finalist.

The perception around the league is that Cease remains “all but untouchable,” but the White Sox are listening to offers. That presents a small window of opportunity for teams in desperate need of starting pitching. Max Scherzer and Jordan Montgomery have already been dealt. Meanwhile, the Justin Verlander rumors are picking up steam in New York.

It’s clear teams around the league are eager to flesh out their starting rotations — especially those in the postseason picture. Chicago is 21 games below .500 and 11.0 games out of first place in the abysmal AL Central. It’s a lost season for the Sox, and while the long view remains intact, it’s only logical for Chicago to leave all options on the table. The best GMs are willing to make bold, unexpected moves with long-term interests in mind.

Cease is 27 years old with two more years of team control left on his contract. The White Sox have the ability to wait out this season and attempt to win again with Cease in the future, but one cannot rule out a Cease trade entirely. The trade market is one of high demand and low supply, which means the White Sox could field some enticing offers before Aug. 1 passes.