Braves Could Land $108 Million Ace to Replace Max Fried in Bold Trade Proposal…
The Atlanta Braves faced pitching depth issues throughout the 2024 season. Despite having a strong top four in their rotation, Spencer Strider’s injury left a major gap in the final spot. This offseason, the Braves lost both Max Fried and Charlie Morton in free agency without securing replacements, making a big trade necessary.
Zachary Rymer of Bleacher Report predicted that Atlanta could acquire San Diego Padres ace Dylan Cease in a blockbuster deal. Cease, who is in the final year of his contract, is projected to earn a $108 million deal in free agency next winter, according to Spotrac.
Proposed Trade:
Braves receive: RHP Dylan Cease
Padres receive: RHP AJ Smith-Shawver (No. 2 prospect), C Drake Baldwin (No. 5 prospect)
Rymer noted that Cease is expected to have a normal spring training despite undergoing major elbow surgery less than a year ago. He highlighted Atlanta’s rotation concerns, with Fried and Morton gone, Strider’s health uncertain, and Chris Sale turning 36 in March.
While acquiring Cease would require giving up two promising prospects, the Braves could extend his contract, making the trade worthwhile. Baldwin, blocked by Sean Murphy, and Smith-Shawver, facing competition from Atlanta’s young talent, might be expendable. However, if Cease doesn’t sign an extension, the Braves might later regret the deal.
