The Dylan Cease rumors are encouraging

And for Cardinals fans they’re encouraging for reasons that go beyond just Dylan Cease and any possible trade talks with the White Sox.

After ponying up for Sonny Gray, Kyle Gibson, and Lance Lynn in rapid succession, the assumption/fear has been that the Cardinals are probably done remaking last year’s superfund site of a rotation. That’s the assumption/fear even though there’s still a need for some youth and upside to pair with Gray at the front end. 

The good news is that trade rumors remain available for those with nowhere left to turn. In this instance, Ken Rosenthal – in my experience, the most selective and discerning of national rumor-purveyors – has lifted us up on eagle’s wings by reporting that our squadron still has interest in trading for White Sox ace Dylan Cease. Reinforcing this general notion is Derrick Goold’s locally sourced reporting that tells us the Cardinals are still indeed targeting front-end rotation help in trade. Yes, even after adding three arms to the starting five, the front office may not be done on that essential front. All of this is important and encouraging information given the quite plausible and just noted post-Sonny Gray fears that the Cardinals may be done adding starters. 

The new working assumption is that John Mozeliak and company recognize that, while the rotation is much improved, it may not yet be in an optimal state. As well, it signals there’s at least some willingness to continue spending and make use of the latitude afforded by Gray’s heavily backloaded pact. This goes on even as the Cardinals, as widely reported both locally and nationally, are still looking to make bullpen additions. Even if these Cease efforts come to grief, there’s apparently will and motivation to do more even if it pushes the 2024 payroll higher. But now let’s consider Cease.