This Chicago White Sox pitcher is worth being thankful for

The Chicago White Sox were a disaster of a team in 2022. They went 81-81 which is a wild disappointment following a year in which they had World Series expectations. It was a year filled with ups and downs that eventually had too many downs.

One player that we can be thankful for this Thanksgiving, however, is Dylan Cease. He was everything that the White Sox dreamed that he would become and then some. He asserted himself into the conversation as the best pitcher in the American League.

Of course, the Sox acquired Cease along with Eloy Jimenez from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Jose Quintana. Looking back on it, that is a trade to be thankful for as well because it is one of the most positively lopsided trades in the history of the Chicago White Sox.

Cease was so good in 2022 that he was nominated for the American League Cy Young. He came in second place because Justin Verlander had a resurgent season that was unlike any that ever came before it. There is no doubt that both guys deserved it but Verlander prevailed.

The Chicago White Sox are so lucky to have Dylan Cease on their squad.

In 2022, Cease beat Verlander in a head-to-head matchup. He also went most of the summer giving up one run or less in games. He even flirted with a no-hitter that was broken up in his attempt to get the 27th out of the game. It was honestly a fantastic season for Cease that everyone is so thankful for.

Cease is going to be the Opening Day starter for the White Sox in 2023. He should be able to have another very impressive season as his stuff is only going to get better in the coming years. 2023 will be a year to make sure that this past season wasn't just a one-hit wonder. It doesn't appear that it was.

As you gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, make sure you just give a few extra thanks for the fact that Dylan Cease pitches on the right side of town. They were dangerously close to having him on the other side so that is good news. Hopefully, the offseason gets the White Sox in a better position to take advantage of him next year.