The Atlanta Braves may be preparing to make yet another power move — and this time, it involves a blockbuster trade idea that could bring an $81 million star pitcher to Truist Park.
According to league insiders and recent reports circulating among MLB analysts, the Braves are being linked to a potential deal for White Sox ace Dylan Cease, whose current contract is set to carry him through arbitration with a projected value upwards of $81 million over the next few years. The proposed trade would be a bold play by the Braves’ front office to bolster their already strong rotation with a front-line starter capable of dominating in the postseason.
Cease, 28, was a Cy Young finalist in 2022 and has one of the nastiest arsenals in baseball, with a mid-to-upper 90s fastball, wipeout slider, and electric strikeout ability. Despite a rocky 2024 season with the struggling White Sox, his upside remains elite — and in a winning environment like Atlanta, many believe he could return to top form.
The Braves, already considered World Series contenders, have dealt with injuries and inconsistency in their rotation beyond Spencer Strider and Max Fried. Adding a third ace-caliber arm like Cease would give them one of the most dangerous rotations in the National League — and a lethal combination come October.
To land Cease, the Braves would likely have to part ways with one or two of their top-tier prospects, such as pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver or outfielder Drake Baldwin, along with an MLB-ready talent. The White Sox, deep in a rebuild, are seeking high-upside youth in return for their biggest trade chip.
While it’s unclear if talks are active or exploratory, multiple sources confirm that the Braves have expressed “serious interest” in Cease dating back to the 2023 offseason — and that interest may be heating back up as summer approaches.
This deal would send a clear message across the National League: The Braves are all in.
Bringing in Cease not only strengthens the rotation for the present but also gives them control beyond 2025 — a huge win for a franchise that values cost-effective talent under control. With Fried set to hit free agency soon, Cease could be insurance and an upgrade.
No deal is official yet, but this blockbuster idea has serious legs — and Braves fans should keep a close eye on what could be the move that seals another championship run.
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