The Orioles need an ace. It’s no secret — not to fans, not to analysts, and certainly not to the team itself.
This need was underscored at the recently concluded MLB Winter Meetings, where two AL East rivals bolstered their rotations. The Yankees signed ace lefty Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million deal, while the Red Sox traded for southpaw Garrett Crochet, sending four prospects to the White Sox. Meanwhile, the Orioles’ rotation is headlined by Zach Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez — talented pitchers but far from the elite ace they desperately need.
With Fried, Crochet, and Blake Snell off the market, the Orioles’ options for acquiring an ace are dwindling. Corbin Burnes remains a dream, but heavy competition surrounds him as the most coveted free agent. While mid-tier arms like Nick Pivetta, Sean Manaea, and Jack Flaherty are still available, none would provide the transformative impact the Orioles need.
Enter Dylan Cease.
Once again, Cease appears to be on the trade market, and he might be the answer to Baltimore’s pitching woes. After a strong season atop San Diego’s rotation, where he helped the Padres reach the playoffs, Cease seemed like an unlikely trade candidate. However, with free agency looming after 2025 and the Padres doubting their ability to extend him, general manager A.J. Preller is reportedly testing the waters. Known for his unpredictable trade patterns, Preller could very well be open to moving Cease if the right offer arises.
For the Orioles, this represents a golden opportunity. They’ve shown a willingness to trade for top-tier rentals, as evidenced by last year’s acquisition of Burnes. While relying on annual trades for aces isn’t sustainable, the lack of a long-term free-agent investment might necessitate this approach again.
Cease, who turns 29 this month, is a proven performer. Over the past five seasons, he’s maintained a 3.56 ERA and 119 ERA+. His standout 2021 campaign saw him lead all qualified starters in strikeouts per nine innings (12.3), while his 2022 season featured a dazzling 2.20 ERA, an AL Cy Young runner-up finish, and an AL-best 6.4 bWAR.
Dylan Cease
After a challenging 2023 in Chicago, Cease rebounded in San Diego, where he delivered a strong 2024 campaign. Leading the National League with 33 starts and 189.1 innings, he posted a 3.47 ERA and recorded a no-hitter on July 25. His 10.6 K/9 ranked third in the NL, and he finished fourth in Cy Young voting. He also made strides in reducing his walk rate, which dropped to a career-low 3.1 BB/9.
Baltimore has the young talent to make a trade happen without including their top prospects, Coby Mayo or Samuel Basallo. A package of other top-10 prospects further from MLB readiness could suffice.
If the Orioles want to contend for a World Series in 2025, they need an ace. Should Burnes elude them, Dylan Cease might be their best — and perhaps only — shot.
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