While echoes of the Corbin Burnes trade were heard all across the AL East Division, a few tremors were felt in the AL Central Division as well. Particularly in South Chicago where a certain Dylan Cease was the original target of the Baltimore Orioles. But now that the O’s have acquired Burnes, two things have opened at once – an opportunity for other teams and the eyes of the Chicago White Sox. 

While until now there were rumors that the ChiSox had put a hefty price on their ace, there wasn’t much consensus regarding how much. Now the Burnes trade has given them a strong template and the South Siders have decided what they want in return for Dylan Cease.

The unique position of the Chicago White Sox 

Unlike Burnes, Dylan Cease has two years remaining in his contract. Add to that he has a salary of just $8 million. This has opened a lot of gates for the ChiSox. Not only are the teams getting two years of a Cy Young finalist but also at a bargain salary. With Dollar signs surrounding the White Sox, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that they’ve figured out what they want for Cease.

“The Chicago White Sox believe that the Milwaukee Brewers’ return of young lefty D.L. Hall and shortstop Joey Ortiz for Corbin Burnes should be the floor in what they should receive in return for ace Dylan Cease,” reported the Insider. Nightengale noted that the Orioles had offered the same plus one more player for Cease. 

The Orioles were linked to Cease throughout this offseason. With an excellent farm system, they were said to be in a prime position to trade the pitcher. But due to the ChiSox lingering the Cease’s trade talks, the O’s quickly pivoted to Burnes.

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But now with the O’s potentially out of the mix, what does this mean for Dylan Cease’s trade market? 

Is there any more interest in Dylan Cease?

Bob Nightengale had earlier reported that the Seattle Mariners are in talks with the White Sox. Boston Red Sox too are interested in Cease. On the other hand, the Atlanta Braves recently confirmed that they did try to acquire Cease. But eventually, he proved to be too expensive for them. 

At the same time, the White Sox aren’t in a rush to trade Cease. With the team aiming to return to their winning ways after a 101-loss season, having Cease even for half a season looks like an attractive bet. So as of right now, Cease’s trade is marred with mixed signals.

Read More: Permanent Solution or 1-Year Rental? Orioles’ New Ownership Face Corbin Burnes Conundrum