The Yankees are almost certainly trading for a starter before the deadline. With injuries derailing their rotation, New York needs another ace-caliber arm to avoid a potential collapse in the standings.
Several options exist on the market — Sandy Alcantara, Dylan Cease, and others — but it’s not clear which direction the Yankees will go. It’s also questionable whether they have enough prospect capital to land a true ace, as their farm system isn’t particularly deep right now.
If the Yankees are willing to part with multiple top prospects, though, they could potentially swing a deal. They’ll need a trade partner feeling pressure to move a starter, and after already working with the Padres on the Juan Soto trade, perhaps there’s a path to acquiring Cease from San Diego.
Cease hits free agency after this season, making him a rental. If the Yankees trade for him, they’d be smart to extend him beyond 2025 — but at what cost?
Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors believes Cease could command over $200 million on his next contract, likely spanning at least six years.
“With a strong season, Cease will have the best shot at cracking $200MM of any pitcher on this list. He should command at least six years, with a good chance at seven and an outside possibility of eight. If he’s not traded, he’ll receive and reject a QO, which should have little (if any) impact on his market.”
The Georgia native’s best season came in 2022 when he posted a 2.20 ERA across 184 innings. His ability to limit walks has been impressive throughout his career — he’s never walked 80 batters in a season.
Cease hasn’t been great early in 2024, posting a 6.64 ERA. But his 2.96 FIP suggests he’s been unlucky, and things should start turning around for him soon. That’s why the Yankees might be willing to pay the prospect price now before his numbers improve and the asking price increases.
