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2) Dylan Cease
Surprisingly, the San Diego Padres are listening to offers for one of their aces, Dylan Cease. Cease was acquired by the Padres from the Chicago White Sox before the start of last season for a package of four prospects including a top 100 prospect, two prospects inside the organization's top 10, and an additional prospect outside the top 30.
The Mets should prioritize acquiring Dylan Cease. Cease's addition to the Mets' rotation would provide a significant boost and would instantly become their top starter.
Cease is coming off an excellent season in 2024 finishing with a 3.47 ERA with a significant improvement in command and control, increasing his strikeout rate and decreasing his on-base percentage. Last season, Cease even achieved a milestone by throwing the second no-hitter in Padres history.
Case's profile is supported by a fastball that averages 96.9 mph at which he is hit for a slugging percentage of just .390. His fastball is accompanied by an elite slider in MLB with a swing-and-miss percentage of 44.7% to which hitters connect at a batting average of .159. This arsenal is complemented by a Knuckle-curve, Sweeper, Changeup, and Cutter, thus obtaining a complete repertoire of an elite starter.
Additionally, acquiring Cease entails a higher cost due to his contract. Although 2025 is their last season, the Mets could get an ace for a full season for just $13 million, which is unrealistic at the levels the market is taking for starters this offseason.
While acquiring Cease would likely require a significant trade package (probably a top prospect from the organization plus multiple prospects between the top 10 and 20), the potential rewards for the Mets are substantial. His impact on the team's pitching staff and overall success could be transformative.