In the wake of Gerrit Cole’s recent MRI on his elbow, the New York Yankees find themselves embroiled in trade talks for pitching reinforcements, with the spotlight now on discussions with the Chicago White Sox for Dylan Cease.
The concern surrounding Cole led fans to believe that Brian Cashman might up his offer for free agent ace Blake Snell.
However, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Cashman’s focus is currently on trading for Cease.
“The Yankees, while awaiting news on Gerrit Cole, have re-engaged with the Chicago White Sox and made a new proposal for ace Dylan Cease, but the new offer once again did not include prized outfield prospect Spencer Jones.”
The Yankees have made a new trade proposal to the White Sox for Dylan Cease, per @BNightengale pic.twitter.com/d2C0AISiId
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 12, 2024
The 28-year-old Cease presents an attractive option for the Yankees, with two years of team control remaining.
However, acquiring him won’t come cheap, as the White Sox have reportedly maintained a high asking price throughout the offseason and into spring training.
This guy would cost zero prospects pic.twitter.com/LXX9Yq0yf6
— Frank Pellegrino (@FrankP614) March 12, 2024
With concerns looming over the severity of Cole’s injury, the Yankees recognize the pressing need to bolster their pitching staff.
However, their course of action hinges significantly on the results of Cole’s MRI, with the organization hopeful that his injury isn’t serious.
"You never know with pitchers. It's definitely a concern."@Ken_Rosenthal shares his thoughts on Gerrit Cole undergoing an MRI as we wait for updates. @Yankees
▶️ https://t.co/oUnHtrY0uL pic.twitter.com/ywlErQL4Fz
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 12, 2024
Although pursuing Cease presents a more financially viable option compared to signing a free agent like Snell, it would require sacrificing a substantial prospect haul.
Nonetheless, the possibility of signing Snell remains on the table, particularly if Cole faces an extended absence.
The Yankees calling Blake Snell after Cole is injured and Rodon and Cortes are the next two up pic.twitter.com/sVgZBRx5kG
— 🍚 (@jez_jon) March 11, 2024
Snell, who may be inclined towards a short-term deal with opt-outs, could provide valuable support to the Yankees rotation amidst Cole’s injury concerns.
The latest reports indicate that Snell’s preference is to sign with the Los Angeles Angels.
According to @Buster_ESPN, Blake Snell has a “strong preference” to play for the Angels. pic.twitter.com/LUVbJwp4AI
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 9, 2024
Ultimately, the Yankees approach to acquiring pitching reinforcements depends heavily on Cole’s MRI results.
Should he receive a clean bill of health, the urgency to secure additional pitching may diminish.
However, if Cole’s injury proves significant, the Yankees could escalate their pursuit of Cease, Snell, or alternative options to fortify their rotation for the quickly-approaching regular season.
The most pitches thrown in MLB since 2020:
10,732 Gerrit Cole
10,425 Dylan Cease
10,252 Aaron Nola
10,136 Lucas Giolito
10,032 Luis Castillo
9,959 Corbin Burnes
9,831 Kevin Gausman
9,805 Jose Berrios
9,799 Zack Wheelerpic.twitter.com/cpX0lo2Xdk— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) February 6, 2024
What do you think the Yankees should do?
Should they trade for Cease? Sign Snell? Montgomery?
No matter what, do you see Spencer Jones as untouchable???