The Houston Astros are actively pursuing San Diego Padres pitcher Dylan Cease as a key addition to improve their starting rotation ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline. Team owner Jim Crane appears open to making a significant move, hoping to address the pitching challenges that have affected the Astros this season. Cease has emerged as their top target, aiming to bring stability and experience to a pitching staff currently depleted by injuries.
Assessing Dylan Cease’s Potential Impact on the Astros
MLB Network Insider Jim Bowden provided insight into why the Astros are focusing on Cease, despite the pitcher’s uneven current season. Bowden referred to a comparable past scenario involving Yusei Kikuchi, acquired by the Astros last year while underperforming with a 4.7 ERA.
The Dylan Cease thing, I think will probably happen,
Bowden stated.
Now it’s funny because once Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome put that report out there, of course I followed up their reporting, which they did a great job. A lot of people were asking well, why would the Astros want Dylan Cease and be a top target when he’s 3-10 with a 4.7 ERA?
—Jim Bowden, MLB Network Insider
Bowden highlighted that a year ago, Kikuchi had a similar record and ERA before joining the Astros, after which he excelled late in the season.
His data room and his pitching room told him the solution they thought they had for Kikuchi,
Bowden explained.
Kikuchi came over and dominated. He went 5-1, one of the best ERAs in the league after they got him in August and September.
—Jim Bowden, MLB Network Insider
How the Astros Plan to Revive Cease’s Performance
Dylan Cease, 29, is under contract for $13.75 million this year, a salary that would push the Astros past the luxury tax threshold once again. Nevertheless, the team appears confident in their approach to restore his form to the level seen in previous seasons.
They believe they can do the same thing with Dylan Cease,
Bowden said.
They have a plan that if they get Cease, they think they can get him back and if they make the playoffs, Hunter Brown Game One, Framber Valdez Game Two, Dylan Cease Game Three. That’d be pretty good if Cease becomes the guy he was last year when he won 14 games.
—Jim Bowden, MLB Network Insider
Cease has been recognized as one of the better pitchers in the league, finishing in the top five for the Cy Young Award twice in the last three years. Although his current ERA is 4.79, he has a high-velocity fastball averaging 97.1 mph, ranking him among the top 12 percent in the National League. Additionally, his walk rate has improved, currently at 9.2 percent, marking the second-lowest in his career.
Potential Trade Details and Astros’ Roster Challenges
The precise cost for acquiring Cease has not been finalized, but names such as outfielder Chas McCormick and catcher Yanier Díaz have been mentioned as possible trade candidates. The Astros face significant hurdles in their pitching rotation, missing key pitchers including Spencer Arrighetti, Christian Javier, and Lance McCullers due to injuries.
The team’s injured list is extensive, with 16 players sidelined, underscoring the urgent need for pitching reinforcements. Bringing in Cease could provide the Astros with critical depth and enhance their chances as the postseason approaches.