Dylan Cease isn’t likely to be moved before the season starts. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t still have a trade market.
With some high-profile injuries popping up this Spring Training, Dylan Cease’s name has remained in the news. Today, Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY reported that with an MRI scheduled for Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole on his pitching elbow, the team has re-engaged conversations with the White Sox in Dylan Cease – which has included a formal offer. However, according to Nightengale, the Bronx Bombers still have not included Spencer Jones in this offer.
The Yankees and White Sox are not new to negotiations around Cease, with reports swirling as early as January regarding the team’s interest in acquiring Cease. However, word around the league is that Chris Getz’s price has been well-above what teams are comfortable paying at this point. The Yankees specifically have been reluctant to trade Spencer Jones throughout the process, which is one of the bigger reasons talks between the two teams have continuously stalled.
Jones, 23, spent most of his age-22 season in High-A last season. Because he underwent Tommy John Surgery, he is about a year behind in where he would be expected in his development. In 459 High-A appearances last season, he hit .268/.337/.450 with a 29.2 K% and 9.2 BB%. He did spend some time in Double-A (78 plate appearances), hitting .261/.333/.406 over that stretch. Evaluators have been high on Jones and his raw power which should continue to translate as he develops. Jones hit 16 home runs last season in 537 plate appearances.
However, should the news with Cole be serious, the Yankees could opt to trade for the cost-controlled Cease rather than pay for Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell – both of whom are still free agents. The two of them remaining on the market continues to complicate the Cease market – but the advantage of him over both others is the financial cost and its impact on the team’s payroll.
As more information become available, we will continue to provide updates.
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