Opening Day is just around the corner on Thursday, and the New York Yankees have yet to address the glaring hole in their rotation left by Gerrit Cole’s absence. The Yankees’ ace will miss the entire season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on March 11, with hopes he can return by next year’s Opening Day. Adding to their troubles, reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil is also sidelined for an extended period due to a strained oblique.
That leaves the Yankees without two key members of the rotation that helped carry them to the World Series last year—a situation that’s far from ideal. Max Fried, their marquee offseason acquisition, is now expected to lead the staff. Carlos Rodón, who’s had an inconsistent first two seasons in the Bronx, will get the Opening Day start against the Milwaukee Brewers. Marcus Stroman returns to the rotation as well, while veteran Carlos Carrasco and rookie Will Warren are likely to round out the group.
What was once considered one of New York’s biggest strengths heading into Spring Training—the starting rotation—has quickly become a major concern. To shore it up, general manager Brian Cashman and the front office need to act decisively. While both Cashman and manager Aaron Boone have indicated they’re keeping an eye on the market in the coming days, more urgency is needed. Bringing in another high-impact starter, someone who could pair with Fried at the top of the rotation, is essential. A potential trade with the San Diego Padres for Dylan Cease could be the solution. If that’s a realistic option, Cashman and his staff should make the move without hesitation.
Dylan Cease would inject fresh life into Yankees’ rotation
Rumors linking Dylan Cease to the Yankees have been circulating all offseason, and they’ve only gained momentum since Gerrit Cole’s injury. A potential deal makes sense for several reasons. To start, the Padres are looking to shed payroll as they navigate ownership uncertainty following the passing of Peter Seidler. They let Jurickson Profar and Kyle Higashioka walk in free agency without making significant replacements. On top of that, Cease is set to become a free agent after this season, entering his age-30 year, and will likely command a hefty contract—something San Diego may be reluctant, or unable, to pay.
That said, acquiring Cease won’t come cheap. While his price isn’t as steep as it was earlier in the winter, it’s still substantial. So, what might it take for Brian Cashman and the Yankees front office to get a deal done? Looking at the package they sent to San Diego for Juan Soto offers a clue. In that trade, Soto and Trent Grisham went to New York in exchange for Higashioka and four pitchers: Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Jhony Brito, and Randy Vásquez. Thorpe was later flipped to the White Sox in the deal that brought Cease to San Diego.
A trade for Cease would likely have to be built around one of the Yankees’ top prospects, either infielder George Lombard Jr. or outfielder Spencer Jones. Lombard Jr. may not have a clear path in San Diego’s infield, but Jones could find an opportunity sooner rather than later. If Jones is the centerpiece, the Yankees could sweeten the deal with a couple of young arms, like last year’s first-round pick Ben Hess and rising prospect Cam Schlittler. Throwing in an outfielder like Everson Pereira—who could thrive with regular playing time—would also make sense for Padres GM A.J. Preller.
It’s a steep price, no doubt. Cease would also be leaving the West Coast for the high-pressure environment of New York, and he’d have to give up his beard to comply with the Yankees’ grooming policy. Still, his addition would immediately strengthen the Yankees’ rotation and could earn him a lucrative long-term deal—whether with the Yankees or elsewhere—if he stays healthy. And if Cease chose to stick around, a rotation featuring Cease, Fried, Cole, and Gil would be a nightmare for opponents in October. Isn’t that reason enough for Cashman to pull the trigger? Only one way to find out.
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