The Atlanta Braves entered the offseason well-equipped to handle the loss of an ace, but Max Fried’s departure still hit hard. Fried, a homegrown star and fan favorite, signed an eight-year, $218 million contract with the New York Yankees—the largest deal ever for a left-handed pitcher. The Braves were unable to come close to matching the Yankees’ offer, leaving a significant void in their rotation.
Despite Fried’s exit, Atlanta’s pitching staff remains strong, featuring reigning Cy Young winner Chris Sale and a talented trio of Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Reynaldo López. However, the Braves may still look to bolster their rotation with another high-impact arm to maintain their dominance and World Series aspirations.
One name surfacing in trade rumors this offseason is San Diego Padres ace Dylan Cease. After finishing fourth in this year’s Cy Young voting, Cease has become a hot commodity on the trade market. Acquired by the Padres less than a year ago, Cease is now reportedly available as the Padres consider shedding valuable players with only one year of team control remaining on his contract.
Jacob Mountz of FanSided has encouraged the Braves to pursue Cease in what would be a blockbuster trade. He argues that Cease could elevate Atlanta’s rotation to championship caliber, especially if the team’s renowned coaching staff can help him replicate his dominant 2022 performance. Cease is projected to earn $13 million next season before hitting free agency, making him an intriguing yet potentially short-term addition.
The Braves have proven adept at securing key pieces for their rotation, as evidenced by their successful extension of Chris Sale last offseason, which preceded his Cy Young-winning campaign. However, Cease’s situation differs significantly. At 29 years old, he is younger and likely to command a longer and more lucrative deal on the open market. Given the Braves’ reluctance to commit to lengthy contracts for starting pitchers—illustrated by their inability to retain Fried—Cease would likely be a one-year rental.
Even as a rental, though, Cease could be the missing piece for Atlanta’s 2025 roster, potentially propelling them back into serious World Series contention. His addition would deepen an already formidable rotation and help offset the loss of Fried. While questions remain about the long-term feasibility of acquiring Cease, the Braves’ track record of optimizing talent and competing at the highest level makes this a gamble worth considering.
