5 teams that should trade for Chicago White Sox ace Dylan Cease
By Todd Welter
![Sep 23, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Dylan Cease (84) pitches during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports Sep 23, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Dylan Cease (84) pitches during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d6d880d632f9f61d9cd05b77172d64254f0b3d9f4ca53b88477ea8dfd0571d96.jpg)
Cincinnati Reds
Starting pitching is a big reason the Reds lost steam in the NL Central race.
Cincinnati had 17 different pitchers start a game. Rookie Andrew Abbott was the only starting pitcher with an ERA under 4.00 and a fWAR over two.
Injuries did a number
Cease’s ERA was 4.58 in 2023, but he was a 3.7 fWAR player. Dylan has logged 150 or more innings for three straight seasons.
The problem is the needs the Sox have might not match up with what the Reds have to trade. At least in terms of prospects ready for the big leagues.
The White Sox’s previous management was rumored to have liked Jonathan India at the trade deadline. Maybe Getz still likes him and a package could be built around him
The Reds’ top pitching prospect is Rhett Lowder. He is the 41st-best prospect according to MLB Pipeline.
The problem is he has never pitched above High-A ball. Chase Petty is another top-10 prospect in their system and he made two starts at the Double-A level.
Their shortstop prospects also have never played above that level. It is highly unlikely the Reds would give up Noelvi Marte.
They only have one outfielder in their top 10. The Reds do have the fifth-best farm system in baseball, so I’m sure something can be worked out.