It sounds like the Yankees will have to trade their top prospect to land an ace

The New York Yankees already have depleted their farm system this offseason but another move could be on the way.

New York has improved the club in a major way after a down season in 2023 but still could use one more starting pitcher. The Yankees recently landed two-time All-Star Marcus Stroman but have been linked to other hurlers as well.

The Yankees have been linked to Chicago White Sox ace Dylan Cease on a handful of occasions at this point. It sounds like the White Sox may end up trading Cease in a possible blockbuster this offseason and New York has been mentioned as a fit.

If the Yankees were to complete a trade, though, it likely would cost top prospect Spencer Jones, according to USA Today Sports’ Bob Nightengale.

“Chicago White Sox’s asking price for ace Dylan Cease remains awfully strong,” Nightengale said. “They are seeking prized Yankees outfield prospect Spencer Jones or right-handed pitcher Chase Hampton in their package while asking the Baltimore Orioles for outfielder Colton Cowser or Heston Kjerstad among their prospects

“All it takes is one team to want to jump out, perhaps, and get a deal done,” (General manager) Chris Getz said. “In the case of Dylan, I don’t think there’s a club out there that hasn’t expressed some level of interest in him.”

Cease is a star and could significantly improve the Yankees’ starting rotation, but Chicago’s asking price may be too high. New York already has traded away some of the club’s former top prospects this offseason for superstar slugger Juan Soto.

Jones has shown some flashes at the minor league level and is projected to make the jump to the big leagues in 2025. The Yankees could get a deal done if they want, but it likely would cost Jones plus other prospects.