Cubs’ Potential Reunion with Ace Dylan Cease
The Chicago Cubs are exploring the possibility of a reunion with former farmhand Dylan Cease, a 200-strikeout pitcher who has found success with the San Diego Padres. The team’s search for a starting pitcher has led them back to Cease, who could offer a much-needed boost to their rotation.
A Strategic Move in the Making
As the Cubs navigate the offseason without making a big splash in the free-agent market for high-priced pitchers, speculation arises about their interest in Cease. The Padres are reportedly considering trading Cease to streamline their payroll, opening the door for the Cubs to bring back a familiar face.
Rachael Millanta of Just Baseball suggests that Cease could be a perfect fit for the Cubs, potentially elevating their pitching staff to a new level. With recent additions like Colin Rea, Cody Poteet, Matthew Boyd, and Eli Morgan, the Cubs have fortified their roster but lack a standout ace to lead their rotation.
A History of Missed Opportunities
Cease’s journey from the Cubs’ farm system to becoming a premier pitcher with the White Sox highlights a missed opportunity for the Northsiders. Originally drafted by the Cubs in 2015, Cease was included in a trade to the White Sox in 2017, which saw the Cubs part ways with a future star in exchange for immediate rotation support.
The trade, which sent Cease and Eloy Jimenez to the White Sox for Jose Quintana, did not pan out as expected for the Cubs. While Quintana struggled to make a significant impact, Cease flourished with the White Sox, establishing himself as a formidable force on the mound.
A Chance for Redemption
Cease’s impressive performance over the past seasons, marked by consistent 200-strikeout campaigns, positions him as a coveted asset for any team. The Cubs, holding promising prospects that could entice the Padres, are in a prime position to rectify their past misstep by reclaiming Cease and solidifying their pitching rotation.
By potentially reuniting with Cease, the Cubs not only address their immediate pitching needs but also seek to correct a historical error that saw a talented arm slip through their fingers. As discussions around Cease’s future continue, the Cubs remain poised for a spectacular redemption with the return of their once-discarded farmhand turned ace.