The Chicago White Sox, once powerful not so long ago, are currently one of the worst teams in the American League.
They finished the 2023 campaign with a highly disappointing 61-101 record, and the prospects of being much better in 2024 are just not there.
Every other squad in the AL Central has improved this offseason, except for them.
Their current status makes them likely to consider all offers that come their way for ace Dylan Cease.
So far, however, none of them has convinced new general manager Chris Getz.
The pitcher, who was a Cy Young award finalist in 2022, regressed to a 4.58 ERA last year and that hurt his trade value a bit.
Cease, however, knows there is a high chance he is flipped eventually.
“I wouldn’t say inevitable. I would say it’s a good chance,” Cease said, per White Sox Talk on Twitter.
"I wouldn't say inevitable. I would say it's a good chance"
Dylan Cease on if he thinks will be traded..
White Sox Talk Podcast⚾https://t.co/KWZonXqTLp pic.twitter.com/Q74SgF3jqC
— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) February 16, 2024
He was met with the word “inevitable” regarding a trade and he downplayed that concept, replacing it with “a very good chance” he is moved.
While he might be right, the best thing the White Sox can do is trade him, and in order to get the best possible return, they have to do it this year.
Cease has two seasons of arbitration eligibility left, and the White Sox aren’t going to contend in any of them: it’s unlikely, to put it lightly.
If they trade him now, he has two years to help his new team, but if they wait until next season, it will be just one so he won’t have the same value.
For the White Sox, it’s all about maximizing the return they get for Cease.
To sum up, a trade is not inevitable, but it’s pretty close to it.
NEXT: White Sox Decide To Take Chance On Well-Known Veteran