Looks like the Baltimore Orioles’ interest in the Chicago White Sox ace has “Ceased” to exist. The O’s were favorites for Dylan Cease ever since the reports of his trade availability first emerged in the market. But interest rarely converts to an affair when the other party is playing hard to get. The same has happened with the O’s. With the Chi-Sox continuously increasing their demands, the Orioles might have started looking elsewhere.

Despite thinning a lot, the pitching market still has a few free agents available. Of course, with the Orioles being a small-market team, they won’t be competing for superstars, but there’s one name that is catching their attention in the market. 

Baltimore Orioles is now targeting the free agent market

Famous insider Jon Morosi recently revealed that the O’s were entering the free-agent market to find a starting pitcher. Their search has led them to the former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, Michael Lorenzen. The 32-year-old had a below-average 2023, but it looks like he could solve the Orioles’ problem.

The O’s need for a starting pitcher isn’t profound, but it’s big enough that they’re actively pursuing different players. Until now, the primary target was Dylan Cease – the ace of the Chicago White Sox. Similar to Lorenzen, Cease too had a less-than-satisfactory season in 2023. While speculations were high that Cease was getting traded, a few obstacles may have proved too big for the Baltimore franchise. 

Cease still has two years remaining in his contract – this makes him attractive, but it’s also what makes trading him so difficult. The Chi-Sox want to be properly reimbursed for losing their ace and in their eyes that reimbursement involves multiple premium prospects. The Orioles aren’t short of prospects. After all, they have one of the top farms in the league. But it’s the question of will, here. 

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While two years of Cease is a delicious offer, the pitcher did have a bad 2023. Was it an anomaly, or is there more to it? That’s the question that troubles the Orioles. On the other hand, the apparent lack of urgency from the White Sox is the biggest obstacle in this deal. 

Why Dylan Cease and Chicago White Sox could remain together

A few days ago, reports began emerging that the White Sox had no problem starting the season with Cease. It’s being remembered that the Sox are coming out of a 101-loss season and they’re trying to stage a big comeback. So keeping Cease for at least half of the season looks like a safe bet to the White Sox. 

This also has another benefit, as a deadline trade has a chance of being even bigger than right now. Desperation of different franchises could play a role in giving the White Sox even better prospects. Could this be why the Orioles are moving away from Cease business? 

Read more: Despite Strong Trade Interest, White Sox Ace Dylan Cease Set to Begin Spring Training in Chicago?