Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves reportedly battling for ace pitcher on trade block

As the 2023 MLB Winter Meetings approach, the Atlanta Braves have emerged as the frontrunners in the race to acquire star pitcher Dylan Cease from the Chicago White Sox. However, the Braves may face stiff competition from the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are reportedly eager to make significant moves this offseason.

The impending Winter Meetings are anticipated to be a hub of activity, with teams actively seeking to enhance their rosters for the upcoming 2024 season. While marquee players like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Japanese standout Yoshinobu Yamamoto are expected to command attention, the trade market is also buzzing with the availability of notable names.

Among these names is Dylan Cease, the standout pitcher for the Chicago White Sox and a 2022 Cy Young candidate. With only a couple of years left before free agency, the White Sox see an opportunity to bolster their organization by trading Cease during an offseason characterized by a lackluster free agent market for pitchers.

USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale has recently suggested that the Atlanta Braves are now considered the leading contenders to secure the services of Dylan Cease during the Winter Meetings. The Braves, who had a stellar 2023 season primarily driven by a potent batting order, fell short in the playoffs as their pitching staff failed to deliver the same level of dominance, hindering their quest for a second World Series title in three years.

Despite the Braves’ current status as favorites, the Los Angeles Dodgers are poised to present a formidable challenge. Nightengale disclosed that the Dodgers are actively pursuing not only Cease but also have a keen interest in acquiring Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Eager to make a splash after a relatively conservative approach in the previous year, the Dodgers are reportedly “going for the jugular” as they aim to secure top-tier talent from both free agency and the trade market this offseason. After experiencing an early exit in the recent playoffs, the Dodgers seem determined to bolster their roster significantly for the upcoming season.