Three potential pitchers that the St. Louis Cardinals ought to pursue actively during the off-season
Cardinals Eyeing Dylan Cease as Potential Ace
The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly considering Dylan Cease as a potential front-line starting pitcher, according to sources close to the team. Cease, a right-handed pitcher currently under contract with the San Diego Padres, is known for his high strikeout rate and dominant slider.
Cease is in the final year of his contract, earning a salary of $13.75 million. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent this winter, meaning he will be free to negotiate with any team, including the Cardinals, starting after the season ends.
The Padres have been reluctant to trade Cease unless they receive a compelling offer, with analysts projecting that he will command a contract worth $150-$200 million for five to six years. The Cardinals have not previously been willing to part with the necessary players for a trade for Cease, but the issue of which players to trade may no longer be a concern.
Despite a somewhat higher ERA during the 2025 season (4.79 through 22 starts), Cease's underlying numbers suggest that his ERA does not accurately reflect his performance. His value comes from his ability to miss bats, ranking seventh among pitchers since 2021 in terms of innings pitched.
The acquisition of Dylan Cease could be a significant move for the Cardinals, as he is a durable, high-strikeout arm. If acquired, his annual salary would be between $30 and $40 million. With only one more year of Sonny Gray's salary on their books, with an option in 2027, the addition of Cease could help the Cardinals compete in the NL Central.
One of the Cardinals' young prospects could potentially replace Gray in the rotation after one more year of seasoning. The acquisition of Cease could also be a "tantalizing project" for a new pitching coach, as he is known for his inconsistent command.
Cease had a Cy Young runner-up season in 2022, and his contract is expected to be longer and more expensive than Gray's current deal. While no public information confirms a contract extension or specific salary projection for Cease with the Cardinals, expectations for his free agency market indicate he could command a "big" contract, likely significantly higher than his current salary.
In summary, the Cardinals are considering Dylan Cease as a potential front-line starting pitcher. Cease is in the final year of his contract with the San Diego Padres, and while no confirmed deal has been made, he is expected to seek a substantial new contract in free agency if the Cardinals pursue him. Despite a somewhat higher ERA during the 2025 season, Cease's underlying numbers suggest that he is a valuable arm, and the acquisition could help the Cardinals compete in the NL Central.
[1] ESPN: Dylan Cease trade rumors: Padres reportedly seeking high price for ace pitcher
[2] MLB Trade Rumors: Dylan Cease Contract and Salary Details
[3] FanGraphs: Dylan Cease Scouting Report and Projections
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