MLB Rumors: New Bellinger destination, Yamamoto landing spot, Cease trade
- One team is specifically the favorite to land Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
- There's a new rumored destination for Cubs free agent Cody Bellinger.
- A Dylan Cease trade could be back on the table.
By Mark Powell
MLB Rumors: Could a Dylan Cease trade be back on the table for the White Sox?
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported in his Sunday column that the White Sox are willing to listen on offers for ace Dylan Cease. Cease was one of the biggest names discussed at the MLB trade deadline, but given the length of his current deal, a deal this offseason was always more likely.
Cease had a down year by his standards, finishing the 2023 season with a 4.58 ERA. The perennial AL Cy Young candidate wasn't remotely close to that conversation this campaign, which could help explain why the White Sox didn't want to sell low on him despite some deadline interest from teams such as the Dodgers and Orioles. However, as Da Windy City's Jordan Campbell notes, trading Cease now to jumpstart a rebuild isn't the worst idea for the White Sox front office.
"For a White Sox team that, despite what they say, is not expected to contend next season, there should be serious consideration of moving Cease. Cease does not reach free agency until 2026 and considering the philosophy of team chairman Jerry Reinsdorf in terms of not paying starting pitchers, there is no doubt that the team could jumpstart their rebuild by moving their ace this off-season," Campbell wrote.
As Campbell notes, the South Siders aren't going anywhere next season. They declined Tim Anderson's option, so he is a free agent. The front office lacks much direction and doesn't have a clear path towards winning in 2024.