Despite the fact that most premier pitching targets have either signed as free agents (Blake Snell and Max Fried, for example) or landed in contenders via trade (Garrett Crochet), there is still plenty of talent to be had for those wanting to compete.
The Cleveland Guardians are firmly in that group, boasting some of the most impressive young talent in the American a League and making it all the way to the League Championship Series in the junior circuit.
The Guardians are excellent, but if they managed to bring in at least another top-tier arm for the rotation, they would be elite.
Bleacher Report analyst Zach Rymer recently made a cool off-season drill: identifying the top ten potential pitching reinforcements still available, whether they can be had via free agency or trade.
Ranking the 10 best starting pitchers on the free agent/trade markets 🤔 @zachrymer https://t.co/Qu94oT03bO pic.twitter.com/zpQXyqxqlU
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) December 20, 2024
What does this have to do with the Guardians? He ranked San Diego Padres star Dylan Cease third in his list, and in the predicted destination, he has the Guardians.
The 28-year-old had a fine season in 2024, with a 3.47 ERA in 189.1 innings.
He would give the Guards staff some much-needed length and swing and miss ability, as he struck out 224 foes in 2024.
It’s not a given that the Padres will deal him, though.
“It doesn’t seem as if the Padres want to trade Dylan Cease, but Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports that they are “at least exploring” the righty’s trade value. Said value can only go so high because of Cease’s circumstances for 2025. He’s projected to earn $13.7 million, after which he’ll be eligible for free agency. As such, he’s a semi-expensive rental,” Rymer wrote.
If Cease is made available, they will surely ask for some of the Guardians’ best prospects.
It’s hard to see president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti pulling such a deal for a player with one year of control, but you never know.
NEXT: Guardians Have 2 Young Players Preparing For Potential New Roles In MLB
