The New York Yankees are facing a difficult season due to struggles in their pitching rotation. With star pitchers Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil out for the entire year, the team has been missing key arms that usually anchor their staff. Although Luis Gil is expected to return, the Yankees continue to need reinforcements, especially after losing Clarke Schmidt for the season, making the search for reliable starters urgent.

Dylan Cease Emerges as a Top Trade Option

Against this backdrop, Dylan Cease of the Chicago White Sox has become a prominent trade candidate for the Yankees. Cease, whose contract situation puts him near free agency, offers the potential swing in pitching the Yankees require. According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the White Sox would demand substantial assets in return, potentially a premium big-league left fielder or catcher, should they decide to trade Cease.

Yankees’ Trade Assets Could Match White Sox Demands

The Yankees appear positioned to offer attractive prospects to the White Sox. Adam Weinrib of FanSided points out that the Yankees could present packages centered around their catching options like JC Escarra or Rafael Flores. Flores, noted for being major-league ready, has attracted considerable attention, although some experts caution against trading him due to his potential.

Alternatively, if the White Sox prefer a left fielder, Trent Grisham could figure prominently as a trade piece. Grisham’s experience with the San Diego Padres might enhance his appeal to Chicago. Combining Escarra and Grisham could provide a compelling offer, or pairing one with a minor-league right-handed pitcher such as Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz or Bryce Cunningham might satisfy the White Sox’s requirements.

Cease’s Performance and Value to Yankees

While Dylan Cease has not matched his career-best form this year—carrying a 4.79 ERA with 153 strikeouts in 22 starts—his previous achievements remain impressive. Cease finished fourth in the National League Cy Young Award standings last season and was a runner-up for the American League Cy Young Award in 2022. Moving to a new environment like New York, a team with strong playoff ambitions, could help Cease regain his top form.

If Cease stabilizes the Yankees’ rotation, it would boost their efforts to challenge the Toronto Blue Jays, who currently lead the AL East. The Yankees’ management faces critical decisions as the season moves forward; acquiring Cease might provide the necessary spark for a run at the division title.