Reds would pay steep price in proposed trade package for Dylan Cease

Bleacher Report laid out several landing spots for Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Dylan Cease. In fact, the outlet listed 10 trade proposals that would see the right-hander leave the Windy City.

Cease is certainly a candidate to be dealt this offseason. The White Sox appear to be rebuilding, and despite a down-year in 2023, Cease was a Cy Young candidate in 2022.

The Cincinnati Reds made the list. In fact, Bleacher Report sees the Reds as the best destination for Cease. However, the 27-year-old won't come cheap.

Reds would pay steep price in proposed trade package for Dylan Cease

Unsurprisngly, the trade proposal concocted by Bleacher Report sees Jonathan India as part of the return to the Chicago White Sox. That's hardly a shock as India's name has been tossed about early and often this offseason.

But the other name is sure to raise eyebrows through Reds Country. Would the Reds really part with Spencer Steer in order to swing a trade for Dylan Cease?

Zach Rymer, the MLB Lead Writer at Bleacher Report, notes that India would be a good fit for the White Sox at second base, while Steer would add some thump to the Chicago lineup.

Both of those observations are true, however, it seems unlikely that the Reds would be willing to part with Steer given that he has five years of team control remaining and was one of the best performing rookies last season.

Steer not only handled himself well in the batters' box, but became the most versatile defender in David Bell's lineup. Steer saw time at first, second, and third base, as well as both corner outfield spots.

With the Cincinnati Reds' need for pitching this winter, on the surface, the proposed trade makes sense. But losing a player like Spencer Steer would likely be a non-starter for most Reds fans and the front office as well.

Bleacher Report notes that the Reds are typically quite frugal when it comes to free agency, but with Joey Votto's contract off the books, Cincinnati has more money than ever to spend this offseason. Adding free agent pitchers could be much more doable this winter than in previous years.