White Sox: Four Reasons Why Will Dylan Cease Breakout 2021

Dylan Cease doesn’t have to be the best pitcher on the Chicago White Sox.

When Dylan Cease was traded for, it was expected that he would join Lucas Giolito and even Michael Kopech at the top of the rotation in three to five years. That is a lot of pressure to put on a 21-year-old.

He flew through the minor leagues and proved he was ready to start his big league career. Here he is, just getting his feet wet with less than 140 innings pitched, and he was expected to be that last piece to the three-headed monster that is needed to win a World Series. He just was not ready, and that is not his fault. He was catapulted into a role he was not ready for.

Now with the signing of Lance Lynn, he has less pressure to be that third punch and can focus on personal development before working into a role where he is depended on in high-stakes situations in the future.

Along with rumors of the White Sox wanting to add another rotation arm, he has even less pressure to be that Cy Young candidate and can focus on taking it one step at a time. We all know what happens when prospects are rushed and Cease’s potential is too high to squander. The same can be said for his teammate Michael Kopech. The two can now develop at their own pace with less pressure to be dominant right out of the gate.

Now, the goal is for him to break out within the next year or year and a half. That the correct pressure a player like Cease should be under. He is only 25 and, again, has only pitched 131 innings in the majors. With talent being added, he can develop at his own pace which would prove to be more effective in the long run. Then the 2018 MLB Pipeline Pitcher of the Year can turn into an MLB Cy Young winner.