The White Sox have been “engaged” with free agent starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The possibility of adding Lorenzen is a new development for the White Sox and directly connects to Dylan Cease and the trade talk conversations surrounding him.
Lorenzen’s Resume
A veteran of nine MLB seasons, the 32-year-old right-hander was an All-Star for the first time in 2023. In 25 starts between the Tigers and Phillies, Lorenzen put up a 4.18 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 2.0 bWAR, and 1.7 fWAR. Given his experience as both a starter and reliever, he would provide valuable innings to a White Sox team with many question marks on the pitching staff. Lorenzen could also be a potential trade chip at the 2024 trade deadline should the White Sox sign him, and he pitches well.
A pitcher with Lorenzen’s skillset makes sense for the Sox regardless, but especially if Dylan Cease is getting dealt. While Lorenzen would be a good signing based on his skills and merit, the intrigue of this situation goes well beyond him individually. Lorenzen would be the direct replacement for Cease, who has been the subject of trade talks all offseason. Rosenthal also mentioned that Lorenzen could be a target for the Yankees if they do not land Cease.
Cease Trade Talks Intensifying
The Cease trade discussions have seemingly ramped up in intensity recently. Earlier today, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Yankees made a new offer for Cease following Gerrit Cole’s injury. However, the offer apparently does not include prized outfield prospect Spencer Jones. The Rangers are also among the suitors for Cease. Ken Rosenthal reported that the Sox could be interested in infielder Ezequiel Duran and pitching prospects Brock Porter and Jack Leiter. According to him, the White Sox have recently had “droves” of scouts at Rangers camp. The Padres have also been reported to be interested in Cease to some extent. Their offer has yet to be made public. In any case, there have been a lot of new developments on the Cease trade front as of late.
Cease’s Hot Start
Cease has been fantastic this spring, striking out 14 in 8.1 innings while allowing just two runs. He struck out eight tonight alone in just 3.1 innings. His fastball velocity is higher than last year, and his slider has also been devastating. He is bouncing back in a big way from his subpar 2023 season. Given that teams always need pitching, it is unsurprising that his hot start has piqued the interest of contending teams around the league. Cease is arguably the most valuable trade asset on the market right now.
Final Word
The fact that the White Sox are engaging with free-agent starting pitchers indicates that things might be happening. It appears that Cease could be on the move any day now. Where he will go remains to be seen, but this situation is worth monitoring. Especially if Lorenzen ends up signing with the White Sox. It is time to sit back, relax, and strap it down.
