Three years ago, while he was still with the Chicago White Sox, starting pitcher Dylan Cease was one of the league's best arms, being named to the All-MLB Second Team and coming in second in AL Cy Young voting behind Houston's Justin Verlander.
Since that 2022 season, however, and since he's come to San Diego, Cease's production has been far from what almost won him the most valuable pitching award in baseball back then, with an ERA of 4.02 and a 21-22 record since making the move to the Padres.
Despite his mediocrity over the past couple of seasons, Cease could still be a hot commodity come offseason free agency.
Jeff Passan Says Cease is a Favorite Amongst Front Offices
In MLB insider Jeff Passan's report on early MLB free agency intel, the ESPN writer made it seem that Cease still has the potential to deliver his 2022 stat line in the future, and that some teams would be willing to give him the chance to do so, even as he approaches his age-30 season.
The stuff remains elite, and front offices adore him despite a 4.71 ERA," Passan wrote. "He'll be 30 going into next season and is likely to be saddled with a qualifying offer, so he's a candidate for a shorter-term deal with multiple opt-outs unless a team falls in love and hands him a bag."
Cease has had a positive impact since he's come to Southern California, such as throwing a no-hitter in July of 2024, and finished that season with over 200 strikeouts, and will likely finish the 2025 season over the 200 mark as well.
Cease got the win in San Diego's 8-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies Sunday night, going five innings, allowing four hits, one earned run, and striking out five.