CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 08: A Baltimore Ravens helmet sits on field during the game against the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 8, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Dylan Cease, the starting pitcher for the White Sox, has proven too expensive for any team to match. Particularly the Orioles, who in addition to right-hander Kyle Bradish this offseason acquired Corbin Burnes for a lower cost as a second ace. They had one of the finest rotations in baseball going into the 2024 season.
That is, until it was revealed on Friday that Bradish had sprained his ulnar collateral ligament and would be placed on the injured list to begin the season. Lefty John Means is also injured, and neither starter’s expected return date has been announced. It is a major blow to a top-five team starting its most anticipated season in decades, but the Orioles’ pitching situation is still not dire. Given that Cease is still available heading into spring training, it would be logical to assume Orioles general manager Mike Elias would make a trade. However, this is not going to be the case.
After being sidelined late in the previous season due to elbow issues, Means is anticipated to make a comeback about a month into the campaign. Furthermore, there’s no guarantee Bradish will require Tommy John surgery. He’s currently trying to treat the ailment without it, so both pitchers could return at a fair time during the season. The American League champs might not even need to address the rotational hole if they can hold down the fort for a few months.
The Orioles still have the opportunity to sign several elite free agents because of a market that Scott Boras rigged. But Elias made it plain early in the offseason that he preferred to acquire players through trade. So why not celebrate Cease even if Bradish makes a comeback later in the season? To start with, there are still a few reasonably good free agents available that wouldn’t cost the earth. Additionally, the Orioles may have enough depth in their rotation to get by without intervening. Given how slowly the market is moving right now, caving in to the White Sox’s high demands before first watching how the season starts to unfold would be a risky move. Additionally, the White Sox are demanding “the sun and the moon” in exchange for Cease’s services, according to a general manager who spoke with Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Funny enough, Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos informed a fan that Cease was “too expensive” for their tastes.
In addition, Getz disclosed to media that the Orioles have not contacted Cease since Bradish’s injury. Getz informed reporters that Cease will start for them on Opening Day as well, but that he’ll probably be traded again closer to the trade deadline, when teams may be more eager to make a move in response to an emergency.
Cease believed that he would be dealt throughout the offseason. Getz gave him a call that he anticipated would be his final while playing for the White Sox. But for now, he’s simply glad to be back on the field as Spring Training gets underway.
“It’s kind of the same process wherever I am because I just really want to perform,” Cease said to Chuck Garfien during an interview on the “White Sox Talk” podcast. Cease advised, “Aim to be the best version of yourself.” It pleases me to be here. Being a major league baseball player makes me happy. Chicago is my favourite city. My teammates are fun to be around. I like the personnel. Actually, everyone wins.”
