With ace Gerrit Cole out for the season due to elbow surgery and reigning American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil sidelined for at least three months, the New York Yankees have started looking into top-tier options to reinforce their starting rotation.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman from the New York Post, the Yankees are one of nine teams to reach out to the San Diego Padres about acquiring Dylan Cease. All five AL East teams have shown interest, along with the Mets, Cubs, and two unnamed teams keeping an eye on the talented right-hander.
Cease, who is in the final year of his contract, has drawn attention due to the Padres’ potential need to shed payroll this season. Although there’s speculation about a trade, insiders believe it’s unlikely to happen before Opening Day.
After being traded from the White Sox to the Padres, Cease had an impressive season, leading the majors with 33 starts, posting a 14-11 record with a 3.47 ERA. He finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting, with a career-high 224 strikeouts over 189 1/3 innings and a 1.07 WHIP.
Dylan Cease
With Cole out for the year, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman acknowledged that external options for bolstering the rotation are limited. Cease’s potential availability could change that, though the Yankees may face challenges due to their depleted farm system after years of trading prospects.
The team desperately needs a proven starter who can deliver reliable innings, something Cease has consistently provided. At 29, Cease would immediately slot into the front of the Yankees’ rotation, joining Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Marcus Stroman, and Clarke Schmidt. Cashman is known for making bold, last-minute moves, and acquiring Cease would be a major upgrade to the Yankees’ pitching staff as they head into a crucial 2025 season.
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