While a deal isn’t close, Cease has remained a hot button topic. The Sox have had recent discussions with the Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees about a potential trade. But Chicago is telling all three the same thing, be prepared to pay up.

Cease conundrum

The White Sox’s threat isn’t to be taken lightly. He is under team control through 2026, meaning that Chicago doesn’t necessarily need to trade him.

However, a deal would net the Sox a king’s ransom of prospects. His contract on makes Cease more valuable. Chicago could hit an immediate jump start on a rebuild while restocking their farm system with talented prospects.

Dylan Cease has certainly earned the hype. In his five years with the White Sox, the right-hander has put up a 43-35 record with a 3.83 ERA and a 792/294 K/BB ratio. Cease has 200+ strikeouts the past three seasons.

But until they hear an offer they like, the White Sox are not afraid to wait out a trade. They have a clear asking price in mind. Until the Dodgers, Orioles, Yankees or any team reaches that price, Cease will remain in Chicago.