Huge setback: Chicago White Sox pitcher now agrees to sign with the Mariners…

Trade discussions surrounding Chicago White Sox pitcher Dylan Cease have reignited just days after manager Pedro Grifol announced him as the team’s Opening Day starting pitcher.

According to a report by Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Seattle Mariners have entered discussions with the White Sox regarding Cease. Throughout the offseason, no team has been willing to meet the White Sox’s high asking price for the 28-year-old right-handed pitcher, which, as Nightengale reports, remains considerable. White Sox general manager Chris Getz is reportedly prioritizing a return package centered around Bryce Miller or Bryan Woo as the key component of any potential deal.

Last week, reports indicated that Cease might indeed start the 2024 season with the White Sox as numerous interested parties failed to reach an agreement for his services. This development surprised many observers, considering that the present moment represents Chicago’s best opportunity to secure a substantial return for their most valuable trade asset, aside from Luis Robert Jr., whose departure seems unlikely, at least for the time being.

For the White Sox to enter the 2024 season with Cease still in their rotation could be perceived by some as a misstep by the front office. Keeping Cease exposes him to the risk of potential injuries that could diminish his trade value before the trade deadline, a scenario that makes it almost too logical to not move him before such risks materialize.

Nevertheless, there remains a possibility that Cease will indeed make his scheduled Opening Day start for the White Sox in Chicago, in accordance with Grifol’s plans. Nightengale mentions that if negotiations with the Mariners fail to materialize, the White Sox are prepared to proceed with Cease on their roster at the start of the season and reassess their options to move him closer to the trade deadline.