The Baltimore Orioles plan to trade for Dylan Cease doesn’t look as promising as it did at the beginning of the offseason. Despite the Chicago White Sox appearing to be one of the worst teams in baseball next season, they’re more than content with keeping Cease.

From their perspective, it makes sense, and they aren’t making deals to make the Orioles happy.

They’re waiting for the best possible package in return as the right-hander has two years of cub control remaining and is on a team-friendly deal.

The asking price is high, but if not met, the White Sox will keep Cease on their roster.

There’s a good chance that Baltimore could enter the season without the ace that they so desperately needed. Ken Rosenthal spoke about the possibility of this happening, noting a potential second option if this does become a reality.

“But if they open the season with the current group, which I imagine they would supplement with James Paxton or Mike Clevinger, someone in the second tier. It’s okay, it’s just not what it could be.”

James Paxton has previously been linked as a potential target.

Mike Clevinger and Paxton, while good professionals, aren’t near the same caliber as Cease. Paxton and Clevinger can certainly eat up innings and help the Orioles, but it doesn’t answer their biggest question coming into 2024.

As they approach the season, a move for a Paxton and Clevinger type of arm makes sense. Perhaps they could go after a Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery type, although that currently seems unlikely.

It’s tough to call the offseason a failure without seeing the season unfold.

However, the front office has a real chance to make this team better and they haven’t done so just yet.i