I’m not asking you to put up a trade package for Dylan Cease or Corbin Burnes. Here are the ground rules for conversation. Which of the two would you prefer to have as a Cubs pitcher, assuming there is a trade package that Jed Hoyer would accept?
Advantages: Had two excellent years in 2021 and 2022; in the AL Cy Young voting in 2022, ranked second. throws hard and gets roughly eleven strikeouts in nine innings on average. includes two years of team management. recently turned 28—actually, yesterday. Happy birthday, one day late!). A former prospect for the Cubs is “going home.”
Cons: Throws quite forcefully, but frequently loses sight of the ball’s destination. leads his league in wild pitches twice and walks a tonne of batters. Throws a lot of pitches and doesn’t go deep into games (six or more innings in only 14 of 33 starts in ’23), in part due to the numerous walks. overall did not have a nice year in ’23.
Which of these two righthanders would you prefer see as a Cub, assuming all other things being equal and a trade package (which I won’t disclose here but you are welcome to discuss) being made available?
This is a really close call. Although Dylan is undoubtedly a stronger pitcher, the Cubs would only be able to retain him for the season before he becomes a free agent. Cease’s control problems are concerning, but if the organisation wants to, they have two years to sign him to an extension. Alternatively, he could benefit from some time spent in the Cubs Pitch Lab.
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