Chicago White Sox general manager sent a clear message when it comes to star pitcher Dylan Cease. Trade chatter on the White Sox ace has cooled off over the past few weeks. This comes after reports indicated that the first-time general manager set a high asking price with no willingness to shy away from his pursuit. Yesterday, Getz changed his tune. According to Chuck Garfien of NBCS Chicago, Getz stated that Cease will remain with the team until at least the start of the season.
“At this point, Dylan Cease, I expect him to be our Opening Day starter,” Getz told reporters in a Zoom session. “He’s had an awesome offseason. I’ve been in contact with him regularly, and I know his name has been out there publicly with potential trades, and, unsurprisingly, it hasn’t affected him.”
Chris Getz on Dylan Cease: “I expect him to be our Opening Day starter.”
— Chuck Garfien (@ChuckGarfien) February 12, 2024
White Sox’s Trade Situation with Dylan Cease
The moment the offseason began, the White Sox were open to trading Cease for the right price. The price part was the issue, as teams indicated that Chicago’s asking price was too high. In fairness, Cease is still under control for two more seasons, which makes for the White Sox who held the line and did not sell for less on the trade market.
“When you got someone of a Dylan Cease [caliber] and how he prepares and the lifestyle that he lives. The even temperament at which he operates and the talent and the stuff, they are a rarity,” Getz said on MLB Network Radio. Getz did add that he thinks very highly of the right-hander and he is very comfortable going into spring training and into the season with Cease.
The White Sox and Getz Have A lot to Prove
Getz is here to remake the White Sox. It’s clear that he has, if not a plan, then a philosophy about team building. “We have to make some adjustments to improve in 2023. When I say I don’t like our team, we’ve got pieces that are talented and attractive. They can be part of a winning club, but obviously, we haven’t gone out there and performed. It’s not a well-rounded club right now. We have to find players to come in here and help get us in the right direction.”
The expectations have been downgraded considerably in recent years. Chicago went from World Series contenders to basement dwellers. The club is projected to have a 60-win season with FanGraphs having them with a 0.7 percent chance to make the postseason. Essentially, every player, aside from Luis Robert Jr. has something to prove. It’s not only the players, Getz has to prove he’s a real general manager. Manager Pedro Grifol has to prove last year wasn’t a fluke and that he can be a big-league manager instead of a running joke.
For someone who didn’t like his team in November, Getz is going into spring training with a positive mindset.
Photo Credit: © Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
