The Los Angeles Dodgers did not have nearly the pitching depth they thought they had last season.
While injuries are hard to predict, everyone knew that Tony Gonsolin and Clayton Kershaw would spent time on the Injured List. They do every year. What they could not predict was that Julio Urias would end up violating the domestic violence policy, that their young pitchers would not be ready for the majors, and that Noah Syndergaard was toast. Well, maybe that last one was pretty easy to see coming…
Understandably, the Dodgers are looking to upgrade their rotation. Not only are they looking in free agency, but they are also eyeing the trade market. According to reports, one such target is White Sox pitcher Dylan Cease.
Los Angeles Dodgers eyeing Dylan Cease to help rotation
Cease struggled in 2023. He finished the season with a 4.58 ERA and a 1.418 WHiP over his 177 innings, striking out 214 batters with 79 walks. Both his ERA and WHiP were the highest of any full season he has had in the majors. Opponents had a .250/.332/.405 batting line against Cease in their 784 plate appearances, allowing a 41.6% hard hit rate.
But it is fair to wonder how much a change of scenery will make a difference. Cease was the runner up for the AL Cy Young award in 2023, posting a 2.20 ERA and a 1.109 WHiP over his 184 innings, striking out 227 batters with 78 walks. He held opponents to .190/.278/.306 batting line over 747 plate appearances, allowing a 31.2% hard hit rate. While he may never return to that level, Cease is also not likely to be the pitcher he was last year either.
There are other aspects that make him an attractive buy low candidate. He has two more years of team control left before free agency. Cease has also made over 30 starts in each of the past three seasons, showing the durability that teams desire. He would be a solid option for any team, but fits perfectly with the Dodgers needs.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly eyeing Dylan Cease. His durability would be a perfect fit for what they need.
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