The Houston Astros struggled out of the gate last season, but as expected, they went on an incredible run and still managed to clinch a berth in the postseason. The Astros wound up winning the AL West on the final day of the regular season, only to fall to the in-state rival Texas Rangers in the ALCS. Houston's starting pitching was surprisingly exploited, so they must rectify those issues this offseason.
Houston's experience and camaraderie are two assets that distinguish themselves from most of the other MLB organizations, but that was not the case against Texas. Justin Verlander, Cristian Javier, Framber Valdez, and Jose Urquidy all posted an ERA above 4.00, so they will need to fortify their rotation if they want to be on the same level as the Rangers.
The Chicago White Sox are open to trading just about anybody, including ace Dylan Cease. Given the Astros' needs, they should call up the White Sox and make an offer for the hard-throwing righty.
Houston used to have a spectacular farm system, but they do not have the similar caliber of assets to offer like the Baltimore Orioles or Cincinnati Reds. Despite that hurdle, this offer may convince the White Sox to consider the package.
Astros receive: Dylan Cease
White Sox receive: J.P. France, Chas McCormick, a bevy of prospects
This particular offer might not match others, but J.P. France and Chas McCormick are two individuals who would be utilized every day by Chicago. They have both contributed effectively for the Astros the past couple of years, but they are two pieces who will need to be dealt if they want to receive a superstar like Dylan Cease.
The White Sox may ask for someone like Jake Meyers or Jose Urquidy as an additional asset, so it would be a dilemma for Astros general manager Dana Brown to potentially budge on that offer. There have been murmurs that Chicago will unload most of their players in the offseason to fully begin the rebuilding phase of their franchise. Cease will be one of the most sought-after players, and there is no surprise to that.
Cease finished second in the AL Cy Young race in 2022 behind Houston ace Justin Verlander, so he has the capability of being the No. 1 option with the Astros. Verlander is aging, so he would be better off as the No. 2 or No. 3 to Cease. Furthermore, it was evident that Cease's struggles in 2023 were partially caused by Chicago's abysmal defense and the lack of consistent run support as well.
Starting pitchers can be phenomenal, but they still need their teammates to produce runs for them. Dylan Cease would not have that problem in Houston given they have some of the most potent batters in the majors, along with splendid defensive talent to back him up. Moreover, Cease would be inserted to a system and environment that knows nothing else but to chase the World Series crown every year.
Cease cannot say the same with the White Sox organization, especially with the unfortunate reports on the culture in that squad. Houston has the financial capabilities and glaring opening to bolster their roster, and they must do it right away before Texas snags away a couple of more players as well. The Rangers won it all in 2023, and people must remember that they will have a 100% Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom returning in their hopes of repeating.
If the Astros want to spoil the party, the acquisition of Dylan Cease would be a perfect step to the right direction.
Follow Us
Subscribe
