While much of the focus on the New York Yankees’ offseason has been on filling the gap left by Gleyber Torres’ departure from the infield, no progress has been made so far. Could general manager Brian Cashman take a different approach and trade for a new ace, such as San Diego Padres pitcher.
The right-handed pitcher has been on the Yankees’ radar before. They showed interest in acquiring him last winter, but the Chicago White Sox traded him to San Diego instead.
He made over 30 starts for the fourth consecutive year in 2024, posting a 14-11 record with a 3.47 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 224 strikeouts in 189 1/3 innings.
Although he played a key role for the Padres last season, trade rumors around Cease have resurfaced. FanSided’s Thomas Carannante suggests that if the Yankees can’t further strengthen their offense, they should pursue a deal.
He proposes offering starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt, outfielder Everson Pereira, and infielder Jorbit Vivas, or a similar package that helps the Padres fill Cease’s spot in the rotation while acquiring value for their depleted infield and outfield after the departures of Ha-Seong Kim and Jurickson Profar.
Schmidt posted a 2.85 ERA in 85 1/3 innings for New York in 2024 and won’t hit free agency until 2028. Pereira is ranked as the Yankees’ 11th-best prospect, while Vivas had a .713 OPS in 422 Triple-A plate appearances last season.
Cease is set to make $13.75 million this season and will hit free agency next offseason. Spotrac estimates his market value for a long-term deal at five years and $108 million.
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