According to a report by Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the New York Yankees are still considering the possibility of acquiring starting pitcher Dylan Cease from the Chicago White Sox. However, they are adamant about not including their highly regarded outfield prospect, Spencer Jones, in any potential trade deal.
Nightengale’s report indicates that the Yankees declined a similar request from the Milwaukee Brewers for Jones before the Brewers ultimately traded Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles.
1) The Yankees’ interest in Cease is understandable given his prowess as one of the premier strikeout pitchers in the league. Adding him to a rotation that already boasts Gerrit Cole, Marcus Stroman, and Carlos Rodon could significantly bolster their pitching staff. However, concerns linger regarding the injury history of both Stroman and Rodon, highlighting the need for depth in their rotation.
2) Despite Cease’s undeniable talent, there are uncertainties surrounding his performance, particularly based on his struggles during the 2023 season. Posting a 7-9 record with a 4.58 ERA, Cease faced challenges alongside the White Sox. Nevertheless, his ability to rack up strikeouts remains impressive, tallying 214 strikeouts in 177.0 innings. Although his career numbers include a 43-35 record with a 4.58 ERA, he notably finished as the runner-up in the AL Cy Young Award voting in 2022.
3) Meanwhile, Jones holds significant promise as the 84th-ranked prospect in all of baseball heading into the 2024 season, according to MLB.com. Described in his prospect profile, Jones presents a compelling blend of power and athleticism, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 235 pounds. He showcases exceptional bat speed, strength, and exit velocities, although there are concerns regarding the translation of his raw power into game situations. Additionally, his lengthy left-handed swing contributes to a high strikeout rate, with 155 strikeouts and a 29 percent whiff rate recorded in 2023. Despite these challenges, Jones exhibits decent speed and baserunning skills, showcasing his potential as a well-rounded player.
