The Atlanta Braves are reportedly exploring ways to bolster their rotation after losing key starters Max Fried and Charlie Morton this offseason. Both pitchers were instrumental to the team’s success in 2024, leaving Atlanta with significant gaps to fill.
Despite pursuing free-agent Justin Verlander, the Braves missed out as he signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants.
FanSided’s Christopher Kline proposed that the Braves could shift their focus to trading for San Diego Padres ace Dylan Cease. Cease, a Cy Young candidate, is projected to sign a $108 million contract in free agency next offseason, according to Spotrac.
Kline suggested this scenario: “Dylan Cease’s San Diego Padres eliminated the Braves from postseason contention in 2024. Now, there’s a chance for Atlanta to reach across the aisle and acquire the Cy Young candidate as he enters the final year of his contract. The Padres seem unlikely to extend Cease, especially after letting Blake Snell walk. This aligns with how Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos likes to operate. He could bring Cease in and attempt to sign him to an extension before free agency, though that’s far from guaranteed.”
Cease would represent a significant upgrade for Atlanta’s rotation, but acquiring him might come at a steep price, likely involving one or two of the Braves’ top pitching prospects. Kline cautioned that Cease could be a rental if an extension isn’t reached, but emphasized Atlanta’s limited window to contend with its current core, making the move potentially worthwhile.
For the Braves, the decision hinges on their willingness to part with top prospects to secure an ace who could either be a short-term boost or a long-term cornerstone.
Leave a Reply