MLB reports: Latest on Orioles’ Dylan Cease, Jesus Luzardo Trade Efforts
While the Orioles are in need of pitching, Baltimore doesn’t appear close to a trade for Dylan Cease or Jesus Luzardo.
When it comes to Chicago White Sox ace Dylan Cease and Jesus Luzardo of the Miami Marlins specifically, Baltimore’s trade talks have, ‘stalled,’ via Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Despite the Orioles’ top notch farm system, they haven’t been able to find a trade suitable for either player.
Both options represent a pitcher that suits Baltimore’s needs financially. Cease is under control for two more seasons while Luzardo has three years of control remaining. The Orioles would not be forced into immediately signing either to a massive contract. Still, the team would be willing to trade what if necessary to acquire either first.
Orioles on the mound
Cease had a bit of a down year last season with a bloated 4.58 ERA. Walks have been a bit of a problem as well. However, Cease makes up for any faults with an explosive strikeout arsenal. He has 210+ strikeouts the past three campaigns.
Over his five-year MLB campaign, Cease holds a 43-35 record with a 3.83 ERA and a 792/294 K/BB ratio. In Baltimore, Cease would look to be a dominant force atop an already young rotation.
Luzardo is coming off a 10-10 campaign with a 3.58 ERA and a 208/55 K/BB ratio. His strikeouts were a new career-high, as was his 178 innings pitched. Luzardo has developed into a fearsome starter over his past two years in Miami. With three years of control, the left-hander can continue to develop and dominate with the Orioles.
But for now, Baltimore doesn’t seem eager to make a trade. While talks will continue to happen, the Orioles are still searching for a boost to their pitching rotation.
Further Reading:
Here’s What the Chicago White Sox Want From the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles in Dylan Cease Trade
It’s been well-established this offseason that the Chicago White Sox are listening to trade overtures for starting pitcher Dylan Cease.
Thus far, the Sox have held fast to their demands in trade discussions and appear willing to hold onto Cease if their price is not met.
It’s a risky game for new general manager Chris Getz, but it’s one that could have a big payoff. If the team holds onto Cease into the season, they risk him getting hurt or pitching poorly. If he pitches well, they could sell him for the high price they covet at the trade deadline.
The Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees are two of the biggest suitors in the Cease market, and Bob Nightengale of USA Today has more on what the Sox are asking for with regards to Cease:
The Chicago White Sox’s asking price for ace Dylan Cease remains awfully strong: They are seeking prized Yankees outfield prospect Spencer Jones or right-handed pitcher Chase Hampton in their package while asking the Baltimore Orioles for outfielder Colton Cowser or Heston Kjerstad among their prospects
As of right now, Jones is the No. 73 prospect in all of baseball. Hampton is No. 95.
Cowser is the No. 14 prospect in the sport while Kjerstad is No. 24.
The 27-year-old Cease struggled in 2023, just as the White Sox did. He went 7-9 with a 4.58 ERA. He’s still an elite strikeout artist, fanning 214 batters in 177.0 innings. Lifetime, he’s 43-35 with a 4.58 ERA. He finished second in American League Cy Young voting in 2022.
The White Sox have him under team control for two more years, which is why they can afford to be patient with their trade requests.
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