
Atlanta’s search for a starter continues and they may be exploring trade options.
The Atlanta Braves are among the many teams that are looking to secure a top line starter for their rotation this offseason. The Braves were reportedly interested in Aaron Nola, but he opted to stay with the Phillies on a big deal. They were also rumored to have interest in Sonny Gray, but it appears that he is headed to St. Louis.
The Braves also are reportedly kicking the tires on White Sox starter Dylan Cease according to a report by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
Atlanta has joined the Dodgers and several others who are engaged in trade talks with the Chicago White Sox for ace Dylan Cease.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 27, 2023
It is also worth mentioning that Atlanta typically keeps things close to the vest so it is worth remembering that anytime trade rumors pop up. Still, Cease makes a ton of sense so the possibility is worth exploring.
Cease will turn 28 at the end of December and is under team control through the end of the 2025 season. Cease made 33 starts for the White Sox in 2023 while logging a 4.58 ERA and a 3.72 FIP in 177 innings. He has logged at least 165 2⁄3 innings in each of the last three seasons.
Cease wouldn’t come cheap and there are likely other teams interested such as the Dodgers. Infielder Vaughn Grissom would seem to be a candidate to be dealt in any major deal. A pitching prospect such as AJ Smith-Shawver or Hursten Waldrep might also be required to make such a move. The Winter Meetings are set to begin Sunday so things could start to pick up soon.