For Cubs fans, the idea of bringing Dylan Cease back to the organization that originally drafted him is a tantalizing prospect. The team has made it clear they’re in the market for a top-of-the-rotation arm, and Cease, despite a rocky 2025 season, fits the bill. He’s durable, consistently racks up over 200 strikeouts a year, and has shown ace-level stuff, finishing as the Cy Young runner-up not long ago.

His agent, the one and only Scott Boras, has already fanned the flames. “I think we all know how Dylan Cease pitches at Wrigley Field. He is dominant,” Boras said earlier this month. The numbers back him up: Cease boasts a career 2.47 ERA in his starts at the historic ballpark. Boras knows his client is a rare commodity—a proven strikeout machine with the potential to anchor a championship-caliber rotation.

What Heyman Said About the Cubs and Dylan Cease

On a recent live stream, Jon Heyman of the New York Post tempered expectations. While acknowledging the Cubs’ priority is pitching, he expressed skepticism about their willingness to open the checkbook for a player like Cease.

“I think [the Cubs] would like to get a bat. I think pitching is the priority, though,” Heyman said, before listing several potential targets. When it came to Cease, the conversation quickly turned to finances.

“Cease is the guy they’ve had, but I think he’s gonna be very expensive,” Heyman noted. “The Cubs are not into big expenses.”

That last line is the kicker. Heyman’s take suggests that while the fit seems perfect on paper, the price tag might be the ultimate dealbreaker. Spotrac projects Cease could command a contract in the neighborhood of six years and $177 million. For a front office known for its fiscal prudence, that’s a massive commitment.

Exploring Other Pitching Options for Chicago

If Heyman’s read on the situation is correct and the Cubs balk at Cease’s price, who else could they pivot to? Heyman mentioned Michael King and Zac Gallen as potential fits. Both are projected to be less expensive.

King, another former Padre, has electric stuff and is projected to sign for a deal around six years and $140 million. While still a significant investment, it’s a considerable step down from Cease’s expected salary.

While he doesn’t have Dylan Cease’s strikeout numbers, he’s a reliable starter who could solidify the middle of the rotation without breaking the bank.

Will the Cubs Pay Up for a Premier Arm?

Jed Hoyer and the Cubs’ front office are at a crossroads. They have the prospect capital and a clear need for an impact pitcher. Bringing Dylan Cease back would be a blockbuster move, signaling a genuine commitment to contending for a World Series. It would energize the fanbase and give the team a bona fide ace to build around.

However, the organization’s history suggests they’ll explore every alternative before committing to a nine-figure contract for a pitcher. Heyman’s insight reinforces the narrative that the Cubs prefer value over splashy, record-setting deals.

So, while the dream of seeing Dylan Cease in Cubbie blue is alive, it’s facing a stark financial reality. Fans will be watching closely to see if the front office is willing to make the enterprise-level investment required to land their top target, or if they’ll pivot to a more cost-effective solution.