The New York Yankees appear to have taken steps during this offseason to rectify their underwhelming performance in 2023 by acquiring notable players such as Juan Soto, Marcus Stroman, and Alex Verdugo. However, the absence of an additional top-tier starting pitcher to complement Gerrit Cole might hinder their ability to fulfill their perennial World Series aspirations.
Currently, the Yankees have extended an offer to reigning NL Cy Young winner Blake Snell in an effort to address this gap. Additionally, they have engaged in trade discussions with the Chicago White Sox regarding Dylan Cease.
Describing Cease as the “ideal candidate” for the Yankees, Deesha Thosar of Fox Sports suggests that New York should pursue these discussions further and consider including a 23-year-old shortstop in a potential deal with Chicago.
Thosar notes that the White Sox are reportedly seeking an enticing trade package to part ways with their 28-year-old ace. If the Yankees decide to pursue Cease, Thosar proposes that Oswald Peraza could be a central piece in such a trade package.
New York Yankees Can Part With Infield Depth, Oswald Peraza to Acquire Dylan Cease
In previous negotiations regarding the acquisition of Dylan Cease, the Yankees have been reluctant to part ways with highly-regarded prospect Spencer Jones. This stance was also evident in discussions involving Corbin Burnes, where Jones was deemed off-limits in potential trade scenarios.
However, Thosar highlighted that Oswald Peraza could serve as a more negotiable asset compared to Jones, yet still possess the potential to pique the interest of teams like the White Sox.
Thosar noted that Peraza is slated to be a utility infielder for the Yankees in 2024, essentially taking over the roster spot vacated by Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Despite his young age, the 23-year-old has demonstrated proficiency across various positions in the minor leagues, with shortstop being his primary role throughout his seven seasons in professional baseball.
Although Peraza has exhibited promise in the minors, boasting a slash line of .273/.348/.424 over six seasons spanning from rookie ball to Triple-A, his performance in limited major league opportunities during 2022 and 2023 has been less impressive, with a batting line of .216/.298/.306. Consequently, his trade value has been somewhat diminished.
Should the Yankees manage to orchestrate a trade package centered around Peraza for Cease, it’s likely that additional valuable assets would need to be included to sweeten the deal.
The White Sox Suggest Dylan Cease Will Remain With Team for Opening Day
Meanwhile, the White Sox are expressing their reluctance to part ways with Dylan Cease.
“At this juncture, I fully anticipate Dylan Cease to be our starter on Opening Day,” stated White Sox general manager Chris Getz. “I’ve maintained regular communication with him, and despite his name being circulated in trade talks publicly, it hasn’t seemed to affect his mindset… I eagerly anticipate his performance in the upcoming season, and I have every confidence that he is poised to excel.”
The White Sox may be banking on Cease reverting to his 2022 form, where he garnered Cy Young consideration, and showcasing the durability that has seen him pitch at least 165 innings in each of the past three seasons. Should he replicate this level of performance, he could command an even higher price tag at the trade deadline next season.
By then, the Yankees will likely have a clearer understanding of the significance of bolstering their pitching staff in pursuit of their World Series aspirations.
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