The New York Mets made waves in free agency by signing Juan Soto to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract while also bringing back Pete Alonso.
Though their offensive upgrades grabbed headlines, they also bolstered their pitching staff by adding Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes. With Holmes, Montas, Sean Manaea, and Kodai Senga leading the rotation, the Mets have a strong core. However, Jon Heyman of the New York Post believes they should go even further by trading for San Diego Padres starter to solidify their World Series chances.
“This may be a long shot even for them, but Steve Cohen’s Mets should try hard for the Padres’ Dylan Cease,” Heyman wrote.
Heyman highlighted Cease’s consistency, noting that he has led the league in games started in three of the past four seasons and was just one strikeout shy of NL leader Chris Sale last year, finishing with 224 strikeouts.
Set to become a free agent after this season, Cease could be a prime trade target. He placed fourth in NL Cy Young voting last year and was the AL runner-up in 2022. Over the last three seasons, he has posted a 3.40 ERA, demonstrating ace potential.
According to Spotrac, Cease is projected to land a five-year, $108 million contract in free agency. Heyman previously reported that the Mets have already engaged in discussions with the Padres about acquiring him.
With Steve Cohen at the helm, the Mets have never hesitated to spend big. If the Padres choose not to extend Cease, they could capitalize by trading him for a solid return before he reaches free agency.
Be the first to comment