Dylan Cease Expected to Join Padres in Korea

Padres' new trade acquisition likely to join team in Korea.

The San Diego Padres made a huge move on Wednesday, trading for right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for four prospects.

Now, Cease is expected to be joining the team on their trip to Seoul, South Korea, where the Padres will begin their regular season with two games against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 20 and 21. 

Cease will travel separately, since the Padres flight leaves too soon for him to join the team on it, but will meet the team in Seoul according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

Dylan Cease is not on the Padres flight to Seoul that leaves at 8 but is expected to join the team there.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 14, 2024

Cease joins the team after spending the first five years of his major league career with the White Sox. He is set to make $8 million with the Padres in 2024, and looks to be an important contributor for a team that lost several key pieces this offseason. 

In his best season, Cease was the 2022 AL Cy Young Award runner-up and an All-MLB second team pitcher with a 2.20 ERA. However, he struggled in 2023 and posted a 4.58 ERA that he'll look to improve upon with the Padres.

Dylan Cease, you’re a San Diego Padre

Here’s a look at our new ace

pic.twitter.com/7qjWzUVAuA

— Padres Nation (@NationPadres) March 13, 2024

The plans for Cease in Korea remain unclear, as the team has already tabbed Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove to be their starters in each of the two games. However, Cease certainly has a shot at becoming a starter in the Padres' rotation, and will add much-needed depth to the pitching staff.

In Cactus League play this season, Cease pitched 8.1 innings and led the White Sox with 14 strikeouts. He gave up six hits, allowed two home runs and two walks, and posted a 2.16 ERA.