Chicago is holding out for two premium prospects and two more prospects on top of that, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today. If the White Sox don’t receive that package, they’re prepared to hold onto Cease until that offer comes through.

While a deal isn’t close, Cease has remained a hot button topic. The Sox have had recent discussions with the Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees about a potential trade. But Chicago is telling all three the same thing, be prepared to pay up.

Cease conundrum

The White Sox’s threat isn’t to be taken lightly. He is under team control through 2026, meaning that Chicago doesn’t necessarily need to trade him.

However, a deal would net the Sox a king’s ransom of prospects. His contract on makes Cease more valuable. Chicago could hit an immediate jump start on a rebuild while restocking their farm system with talented prospects.

Dylan Cease has certainly earned the hype. In his five years with the White Sox, the right-hander has put up a 43-35 record with a 3.83 ERA and a 792/294 K/BB ratio. Cease has 200+ strikeouts the past three seasons.

But until they hear an offer they like, the White Sox are not afraid to wait out a trade. They have a clear asking price in mind. Until the Dodgers, Orioles, Yankees or any team reaches that price, Cease will remain in Chicago.

Further Reading:

Dodgers Two-Way Star Shohei Ohtani Scheduled to Attend BBWAA Awards Ceremony

Shohei Ohtani, excited to join the Dodgers SNTV Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani will receive some new hardware in a couple of weeks.

According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, Ohtani is scheduled to be in attendance to receive his 2023 American League MVP award on Jan. 27. Ohtani unanimously won the award for his spectacular play all 2023 season long, his second MVP in three seasons.

He became the first player to earn a unanimous MVP vote twice. On his way to winning MVP number two, Ohtani slashed .304/.412/.654 while leading the majors in OPS and OPS+ with the Angels.

The 29-year-old superstar did little wrong on the mound too, posting a 3.14 ERA, a 10-5 record, 167 strikeouts, a 4.00 FIP, and 1.06 WHIP in 132 innings pitched and 23 starts. That was all accomplished in Anaheim. While the individual accolades are nice, Shohei will look for October success in a Dodger uniform, then resume pitching at some point in 2024.

Ohtani was scarcely visible during his whirlwind free agency tour in November and December, to say nothing of his disappearing act at the end of last season. Since then, he has been spotted working out at Dodger Stadium, attending Rams games, and now — at least tentatively — accepting his latest award. For those interested in attending the event, fans can reserve a ticket to the event for $325. Yes, folks, it’s not cheap.