MLB Trade Rumors: Major Trade Candidate Likely Off The Market

With the skyrocketing price for free agent starting pitchers, many teams' attention has turned to the trade market, where there have been a number of top starters on the rumor mill. 

But according to MLB Insider Jon Heyman, it appears that one prime target, Dylan Cease, may be taken off the market by the Chicago White Sox.  

"There’s growing belief the White Sox could hold onto Dylan Cease until the trade deadline," wrote Heyman.

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reports the same thing, quoting an NL executive: “I would say Cease doesn’t get moved at this point. The White Sox are not budging on price, and teams don’t seem to have interest in paying that price". Teams like the Cincinnati Reds, NY Yankees, LA Dodgers and Atlanta Braves have all backed off in recent days, going another route. 

One team that does have the goods that the Pale Hose are looking for is the Baltimore Orioles, and they certainly remain a team that could use a front-of-the-rotation starter. But per Heyman, one prospect the O's won't part with, that seems to be the apple of the White Sox's eye, is Jordan Westburg.

The first-round pick from 2020, Westburg, an infielder, had a nice first taste of the big leagues last season, batting .260 with an OPS+ of 100 in 68 games. In three seasons through the minors, he showed power, speed and elite on-base skills.

As for Cease, the ChiSox could very well hold onto him until the trade deadline at the end of July, when teams might be a little more desperate for pitching help. But if they do go that route, Chicago had better hope Cease performs this season more like his 2021-22 self, when he led all starters in K/9 in '21 at 12.3, and then finished second in Cy Young voting in '22.

In 2023, Cease took a big downturn, posting a 4.58 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP.

 Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports