MLB Rumors: Dylan Cease Not Expected to Be Traded to Yankees After Gerrit Cole Injury

After the New York Yankees lost ace Gerrit Cole for the entire 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery, it doesn't sound like a high-profile replacement is coming anytime soon.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi quickly squashed the idea that the Yankees would trade for San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dylan Cease to fortify their rotation.

"The expectation in the industry over the last 24 hours is that Dylan Cease is not going to be traded to the Yankees to save their rotation in light of the Gerrit Cole injury," Morosi said before adding that the Yankees are "reluctant, somewhat, to add payroll right now."

Morosi also pointed out that a deal for Cease likely would require the Yankees to give up a top prospect like outfielder Jasson Dominguez or pitcher Will Warren. Cease is set to be a free agent after the 2025 season, so surrendering a potential future star for a possible one-year rental wouldn't be a smart move, especially considering that Cole's status for the 2026 season is also uncertain.

After being acquired in an offseason trade with the Chicago White Sox, Cease started 33 games for the Padres in 2024 and went 14-11 with a 3.47 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP and 224 strikeouts across a career-high 189.1 innings pitched. He produced one of the highlights of the season when he threw a no-hitter against the Washington Nationals on July 25, which was just the second no-hitter in Padres franchise history.

Unfortunately, the Yankees likely won't be able to add a pitcher like Cease to replace Cole. Morosi named veteran free agents Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn as possible additions for New York before the 2025 season begins later this month.

In addition to losing Cole, the Yankees have lost a slew of key players to injuries as slugger Giancarlo Stanton (elbow), starting pitcher Luis Gil (shoulder) and third baseman D.J. LeMahieu (calf) are all expected to be sidelined for the start of the year.