Just days after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. crushed Texas Rangers fans’ hopes by re-signing with the Toronto Blue Jays on a jaw-dropping 14-year, $500 million mega-deal, the Rangers have answered back in explosive fashion — pulling off a blockbuster trade to acquire ace pitcher Dylan Cease from the San Diego Padres.
The Rangers had been one of the more aggressive teams in pursuit of Guerrero, hoping to land the superstar slugger and pair him with their championship-caliber core. But after Guerrero doubled down on his commitment to Toronto, Texas pivoted quickly — and boldly — by landing Cease, a flamethrowing right-hander projected to earn a five-year, $108 million deal in free agency.
Cease, 28, now slides to the top of the Rangers’ rotation. He brings elite credentials with him, including a 3.40 ERA over the last three seasons, multiple top-5 Cy Young finishes, and the ability to anchor a staff deep into October. This season, he’s already off to a strong start with a 3.38 ERA in 10.2 innings.
Sources say Texas had been monitoring Cease as a contingency option throughout spring training and pounced once Guerrero officially came off the board.
“They weren’t going to leave this deadline empty-handed,” one AL executive told Newsweek. “Once Guerrero re-upped, the Rangers made it known they were still in win-now mode — and they proved it.”
With Dylan Cease joining Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, and a healthy Max Scherzer, the Rangers now possess one of the most intimidating pitching staffs in the American League.
Even better? Cease’s expected contract value — $108 million — is far more budget-friendly than the Guerrero sweepstakes would have been, making this a move that helps both the payroll and the playoff push.
This trade is a clear message from the front office in Arlington: Texas is all-in on defending its title and making another deep postseason run in 2025 — with or without Guerrero.
