In their ongoing chase for starting pitcher, the Houston Astros were connected to multiple options leading up to last Thursdayâs MLB trade deadline.
Few were as significant as Dylan Cease.
While the Astros seriously pursued Cease in hopes of sticking him atop their rotation, they were ultimately unable to hammer out a deal.
USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale recently shed more light on the Astrosâ interest in Cease, revealing they were reluctant to part with one of their top young pitchers in a trade package for the San Diego Padres star right-hander.
â(The Padres) did have late talks with the Astros,â Nightengale said, âbut the Astros balked at including younger Spencer Arrighetti in a package with three prospects.â
Why Were the Astros Interested in Dylan Cease?
Cease, 29, hasnât been his dominant self this season. Despite ranking fourth in the majors with 162 strikeouts, Cease is just 4-10 with a 4.60 ERA and 1.30 WHIP.
While Cease wouldâve been an impressive complement to left-hander Framber Valdez atop the rotation, the Astros were clearly hesitant to part with some of their top young arms.
As it is, Cease is a pending free agent making $13.75 million, meaning theyâd likely only have him for a handful of starts before he hits free agency.
Arrighetti allowed six runs over his first 9.2 innings (5.59 ERA) as a starter this season before missing four months with a broken thumb. The 25-year-old right-hander is slated to return to the rotation on Wednesday against the Miami Marlins, with Houston eyeing a three-game sweep.
Arrigetti was ranked Houstonâs No. 3 prospect by MLB Pipeline in 2024.
Why Didn’t the Padres Trade Dylan Cease?
The Padresâ desire to trade Cease and other top players may have been overstated in some circles.
According to Nightengale, the club ânever had any intention of trading closer Robert Suarez, and were never close to trading starter Dylan Cease, realizing they are a much stronger team with him.â Instead, the Padres became buyers, acquiring All-Star closer Mason Miller from the Athletics for a prospect-laden return. They also landed first baseman Ryan O’Hearn and outfielder Ramon Laureano from the Baltimore Orioles.
Winner of seven of their last 10 games, the Padres (62-51) entered Tuesday three games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for first place in the National League West.
Cease, 29, is coming off one of his best outings of the season, when he threw five shutout innings with nine strikeouts against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. The Padres will look for him to continue that effectiveness as they chase another playoff spot.
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