He was great in 2022 and 2024, earning Cy Young and MVP votes both years. However, he struggled in 2023 and 2025 to the point where he could have been considered a below-average pitcher (97 and 94 ERA+ respectively – league average is 100). Cease didn’t do himself any favors in his free-agent four-way year, posting a 4.55 ERA and a 1.327 WHIP over 168 innings, striking out 215 batters with 71 walks in 2025.
There is one trait that has remained consistent despite his up-and-down performance. Cease, who turns 30 on Dec. 28, is a modern workhorse, making at least 32 starts and throwing more than 165 innings over the past five years. That durability has a lot of value, especially considering his potential to be a top-of-the-rotation arm.
As one of the top pitchers in the 2025-26 free agent class, Cease will receive a lot of attention in the free agency class. Let’s look at three possible landing spots for him.
Three potential landing spots for Dylan Cease in free agency
1. Boston RedSox
The Red Sox rotation is solid, especially during the grind of the regular season. Garrett Crochet is the undisputed ace of the staff, while Brayan Bello is a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm. The other options for the rotation are a whole host of question marks, more about potential than track record.
The lack of a true second starter was evident in the postseason. Crochet dominated in Game 1 of the wild-card round against the New York Yankees, but the Red Sox were eliminated in part because they didn’t have that second starter to follow. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said another starting pitcher had been added is a privilegeas he believes their bone of contention now is. Quitting could be the second starter Boston needs for a deeper playoff run.
2. San Francisco giants
President of baseball operations Buster Posey has some tough tasks ahead of him: finding a way to dethrone the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West while building a team that can enjoy long-term success. Posey has made strides, signing third baseman Matt Chapman to a long-term extension, trading for designated hitter Rafael Devers and signing shortstop Willy Adames to a long-term contract in free agency.
At first glance, adding another top starter wouldn’t be necessary. Logan Webb and Robbie Ray are a formidable duo atop the rotation and provide a strong foundation for a playoff-caliber pitching staff. However, Ray is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2026 season. Cease would extend the rotation this year while providing a solid security blanket if Ray were to leave on his own.
3. New York Mets
The Mets’ playoff aspirations were doomed in large part by their rotation, as injuries and underperformance took their toll. A total of 17 different pitchers made at least one start in 2025. Of those, only three made more than 20 starts on the season. Two of those pitchers – Kodai Senga and Clay Holmes – faltered down the stretch, with Senga being sent to the minors due to his issues. Mets starters as a whole posted a 5.31 ERA in the second half, 27th in the main classas they fell out of play-off contention.
While the Mets believe in their pitching prospects, president of baseball operations David Stearns indicated that the Mets will actively look for a frontline starter. While Cease has been inconsistent over the last four years, he has shown the ability to be the type of starter New York needs. Adding Cease could go a long way to the Mets’ championship hopes.
#potential #landing #spots #pitcher #Dylan #Cease