CEASE TO SAN DIEGO!
The San Diego Padres acquired pitcher Dylan Cease from the Chicago White Sox for pitchers Steven Wilson, Drew Thorpe and Jairo Iriarte, and outfielder Samuel Zavala.
What does it give the San Diego Padres
After being in the rumor mill for over a year, Cease finally has a new home. The perennial Cy Young Award candidate will now front a very formidable rotation in San Diego. A rotation this deep will be needed to perform against top lineups in the stacked National League West. With Cease being arbitration eligible through the 2025 season, he will greatly boost the Padres' chances of becoming a playoff team this season and beyond.
What does it give the Chicago White Sox
Chicago got plenty of prospects in return for their former starter. Thorpe, acquired by San Diego in the Juan Soto deal, had a collective 2.52 ERA last season. Iriarte reached Double-A last season touching 98 mph on his fastball. Both look to be possible late-season call-ups for the White Sox. Zavala is in the low minors but has a tantalizing power and speed. Wilson instantly becomes one of the top relievers in the ChiSox bullpen.
Fantasy impact
Cease has surpassed the 200 K plateau in three straight seasons, and this season should be no different. His value may even increase on a better team with more chances for wins. Thorpe and Iriarte both averaged over a strikeout per inning in the minors. If they can translate that to MLB, they might both become valuable fantasy contributors. Thorpe is closer to making a impact. If Wilson becomes the White Sox closer, he will have some upside. The question will be how many opportunities will the lowly White Sox provide him? Zavala is a long-range keeper prospect.
