The Atlanta Braves' need to add a starting pitcher is well-documented at this point. The Braves were rumored to be in on Aaron Nola before he ultimately returned to the Phillies and earlier this week, Atlanta lost out on Sonny Gray as he decided to sign with the Cardinals. With most of the more desirable options on the free agent market seemingly outside of the Braves' comfort level in terms of price and/or years, things haven't looked particularly great through the early portion of the offseason.
However, one name that has been connected to the Braves for a bit over on the trade market has been the White Sox's Dylan Cease. Cease has big time stuff and was one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2022 before having a down year last season and Chicago is looking to shed payroll and regroup after a horrific 2023 season filled with underperformance and chaos.
It appears as though the chase for Cease for the Braves and the rest of the league could get resolved very, very soon.
Sources: Dylan Cease trade talks have intensified in the last 48 hours, and some people close to the negotiations believe a deal *before* the winter meetings is increasingly possible.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 29, 2023
Cease’s hometown Braves are among the finalists. @MLBNetwork @MLB
The Braves are in the hunt for Dylan Cease, trade expected soon
While it is worth noting that a lot of teams including the Dodgers have been after Cease this offseason, it is noteworthy that the Braves got a specific mention in Morosi's report here. Not only would Cease be exactly the kind of arm the Braves need going into 2024, but he would also come with two years of team control that shouldn't completely annihilate the Braves' payroll.
Of course, any deal needs to be evaluated based on how much the Braves would be giving up. Vaughn Grissom would almost certainly be included in any deal for Cease and Chicago is also likely to want one of AJ Smith-Shawver or Hurston Waldrep included as well. The White Sox are right to ask for a premium return for Cease, but it is unclear as to whether or not the Braves are going to be willing to give up a lot of young talent for him with so many other suitors potentially bidding against them.