By KDA Sporty | Newsweek | April 8, 2025 – 7:02 PM
Just days after watching Vladimir Guerrero Jr. commit long-term to Toronto with a historic 14-year, $500 million extension, the Cincinnati Reds have fired back — swinging a blockbuster trade for ace pitcher Dylan Cease, a move that could reshape the National League playoff race.
The Reds had been one of several dark horse contenders quietly pursuing Guerrero, envisioning the slugger as the centerpiece of a rising young core. But after Guerrero re-signed with the Blue Jays, Cincinnati quickly pivoted and made a bold move of their own — acquiring Dylan Cease, the fireballing right-hander from the San Diego Padres, who’s projected to land a five-year, $108 million deal in free agency.
Cease, 28, is a proven frontline starter and immediately becomes the ace of the Reds’ rotation. He’s already posted a 3.38 ERA in 10.2 innings this season and brings with him a résumé that includes multiple 30+ start seasons, two top-5 Cy Young finishes, and a career 3.40 ERA across the last three seasons.
According to insiders, the Reds had been in talks with San Diego since spring training and reignited negotiations after Guerrero’s extension removed a major bat from the market. With Cease set to become a free agent after this season, the Padres were open to moving him — and the Reds pounced.
“They were aggressive. They didn’t want to wait and see,” said one NL executive. “After Guerrero slipped away, they made it clear they were ready to go all-in on pitching.”
With Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and now Cease forming a formidable trio, the Reds are signaling they intend to compete now, not later. Cease’s expected price tag — $108 million over five years — is significantly less than what Guerrero would have cost, making this both a smart financial play and a major on-field upgrade.
The Reds’ front office has made a statement: While they may have missed the Guerrero sweepstakes, they’re not backing down. With Cease now in the fold, Cincinnati is all-in on chasing a deep postseason run in 2025.
