The Mets need another ace, and Dylan Cease might be their answer.
Right now, New York’s rotation is built on hope more than certainty. Kodai Senga sits at the top after making just one start in 2024. Behind him? Sean Manaea, David Peterson (who’s showing promise from the left side), Frankie Montas (who’s been hit-or-miss), and Clay Holmes (who’s transitioning from the bullpen). That’s a lot of maybes.
They’ve got depth, sure. But what they’re really missing is that front-of-the-rotation arm who can dominate every fifth day.
Paul Blackburn, their sixth starter, is better than you might think – he’s got an All-Star appearance on his resume from his Oakland days. He’d probably be starting for quite a few teams out there. That’s what makes him an interesting trade chip.
Tim Boyle at FanSided has an intriguing idea: package Blackburn in a deal for Dylan Cease. The Padres’ ace finished fourth in Cy Young voting and he’s entering his walk year.
“The trade the Mets should try to make involving Blackburn would be to pair him with a younger player or two and acquire a more expensive, talented, and if we’re really lucky, controllable arm,” Boyle wrote.
Let’s talk about what Cease brings to the table. At 29, he’s in his prime. Last season, he racked up 224 strikeouts in 189 2/3 innings – just four behind MLB leader Tarik Skubal. He threw a no-hitter against Washington and posted a 3.47 ERA across 32 starts. That’s exactly the kind of arm the Mets need.
Here’s where it gets interesting: since Cease is only under contract through 2024, he might not cost as much as you’d think. When the Padres got him from the White Sox last March, they gave up three top prospects in a four-player deal.
Blackburn alone won’t get it done – he’s a solid starter, not a headliner. The Mets would need to add two legit prospects. But if San Diego’s looking to move Cease’s salary, theres a framework that could work for both sides.