The New York Yankees will be without their star pitcher, Gerrit Cole, for the entire 2025 season as the right-hander is set to undergo Tommy John surgery to repair his injured right elbow.
The immediate response to this injury would be for the Yankees to pursue another ace to fill Cole’s spot, a sentiment echoed by many in the baseball world.
Jack Murray of Bleacher Report recently named San Diego Padres ace Dylan Cease as a potential trade target for the Yankees. While Cease has been frequently linked to New York since Cole’s injury, I don’t see it as a likely move.
“This would be a major move. Cease is the best pitcher available on the trade market and is scheduled to reach free agency after the 2025 season,” Murray wrote. “In 2024, he threw 189.1 innings, posting a 14-11 record with a 3.47 ERA.”
There are several reasons why the Yankees are unlikely to acquire Cease.
To start, the Padres have no obligation to trade Cease. San Diego holds all the leverage in this situation, meaning his trade value has only increased. Reports already suggest the Padres are seeking a substantial return for their ace, and this leverage would drive the price even higher.
Additionally, the Yankees have been reluctant to part with top prospects like Spencer Jones, Jasson Dominguez, and Will Warren in major trades. It’s unlikely they would change that stance for Cease.
On top of that, Cease is set to hit free agency after the season, with Tim Britton of The Athletic projecting him to land a $210 million contract.
It’s far more realistic for the Yankees to sign a free agent or trade for a pitcher like Sonny Gray or Erick Fedde rather than pursue Cease.
