It appears things are inching ever closer to the finish line for a Dylan Cease deal, with the Yankees reportedly making the White Sox’ right-hander their top priority.
An article was posted today on NJ.com by Yankees beat writer Randy Miller that detailed the latest on New York’s search for starting pitching. At the top of their wish list: Dylan Cease, Blake Snell, and Jordan Montgomery.
According to Miller, the Yankees like Dylan Cease’s cost-controlled two years remaining on his deal, and are “ready to pull the trigger” on a potential deal. The holdup appears to be two-fold:
- The Yankees are hesitant to trade Spencer Jones as part of the trade package
- The White Sox still believe they can get a better trade package from the Baltimore Orioles
Miller does mention that it seems as though the Yankees will eventually have to include both Jones and top pitching prospect Chase Hampton in a deal with Baltimore among the many teams still involved. The player who is reportedly off the table is Jasson Dominguez, the Yankees’ 21-year-old top prospect.
Jones, 23, spent most of his age-22 season in High-A last season. Because he underwent Tommy John Surgery, he is about a year behind in where he would be expected in his development. In 459 High-A appearances last season, he hit .268/.337/.450 with a 29.2 K% and 9.2 BB%. He did spend some time in Double-A (78 plate appearances), hitting .261/.333/.406 over that stretch. Evaluators have been high on Jones and his raw power which should continue to translate as he develops. Jones hit 16 home runs last season in 537 plate appearances.
Hampton, 22, has been a quick riser through the Yankees system, pitching half the season in Double-A as a 21-year-old last season. He has been praised among talent evaluators for his three well-above-average pitches. In 47 innings in High-A last year, he was 2-1 with a 2.68 ERA, posting a 40.5 K% and 8.4 BB%. In 59.2 innings in Double-A, he was 2-2 with a 4.37 ERA, striking out 27.4% of hitters and walking 8.5%. He still has room to grow, but the upside is clearly there.
As more develops in the Cease trade market, we will continue to provide updates. As for now, it appears the Yankees are getting close, and it will be up to the Orioles to decide if they want to make a splash such as this one.
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Why not get Montgomery heconly cost money better pitcher why hive up prospects for cease who’s going downhill why not be dodgers and get both
Why not just spend money o n montgumery he only cost money and he better pitcher than cease why give up top prospects for guy who isn’t that good or go all in like dodgers get both