By KDA Sporty | Newsweek | April 7, 2025 – 8:31 PM
After missing out on superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the New York Yankees have quickly pivoted and pulled off a major move — reportedly locking in a blockbuster trade for San Diego Padres ace Dylan Cease, a pitcher projected to command a $108 million contract in free agency.
The Yankees had been heavily linked to Guerrero for months, hoping to make a splash by landing the All-Star first baseman either at the trade deadline or in free agency. But those dreams were crushed when Guerrero signed a staggering 14-year, $500 million extension with the Toronto Blue Jays, slamming the door on any potential move to the Bronx.
With that door closed, the Yankees wasted no time turning to their next big swing — acquiring Cease, one of the most coveted arms potentially available at this year’s trade deadline. Bleacher Report’s Joseph Zucker had floated the Yankees as a possible landing spot if the Padres cooled off midseason.
“By holding onto Cease for Opening Day, San Diego showed it’s serious about contending,” Zucker wrote. “But if their season goes south, the Yankees were in a perfect position to pounce — and now it seems they’ve done just that.”
Cease, 28, brings elite credentials to the Yankees’ rotation. He owns a 3.38 ERA this season through 10.2 innings and has consistently delivered over the last three seasons, including two top-5 Cy Young finishes. With Gerrit Cole still recovering from injury, Cease joins Max Fried and Luis Gil to form a potent trio atop the Yankees’ rotation.
The projected five-year, $108 million price tag for Cease in free agency also makes him a more budget-friendly option compared to Guerrero, both financially and in terms of trade assets.
With this move, the Yankees have once again proven they won’t sit idle. Missing out on Guerrero may have stung — but in acquiring Cease, they’ve landed a frontline ace who could be a game-changer in their quest for October glory.
