Update: Braves Signings and trade Rumours

March 15: Astros are ‘in strong pursuit’ of Snell (report)

According to The Athletic (subscription needed), the Astros are “in serious pursuit” of the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner. Houston’s starting rotation suffered an injury setback when right-hander José Urquidy was forced to leave a Minor League game on March 15 due to a strained right elbow.More >

March 13: With the cease trade agreement completed, where do other suitors turn?

A unexpected suitor has won the sweepstakes for the most prominent starting pitcher on the market.On Wednesday night, the Padres traded for White Sox right-hander Dylan Cease. Chicago received a four-player package including MLB Pipeline No. 85 prospect Drew Thorpe.

March 15: Astros ‘in heavy chase’ of Snell (report)

Cease, the focus of trade rumours at the 2023 Trade Deadline and throughout the winter, will replace National League Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell at the top of the Padres rotation.

After the trade was initially announced Wednesday evening, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman said the Giants and Rangers were also interested in acquiring Cease, who placed second in the AL Cy Young Award voting in 2022 and is under contract for two seasons. Earlier this week, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal (subscription required) and Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News (subscription required) linked the Rangers to Cease.

Texas’ rotation is currently without Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, and Tyler Mahle due to injuries, while left-hander Jordan

Jordan Montgomery is a free agent. The Rangers have been linked to Montgomery, and now that Cease is no longer on the market, bringing the 31-year-old back to Arlington may seem more likely. According to sources, the Red Sox have expressed interest in Montgomery as well.

The Giants, who hoped to add Cease to an offseason haul that included free-agent acquisitions Matt Chapman, Jorge Soler, and Jung Hoo Lee, clearly need pitching. Tristan Beck and Keaton Winn will miss Opening Day, while San Francisco’s other starts are youngster Kyle Harrison and converted reliever Jordan Hicks. The Giants (along with the Angels) have been linked to Snell during free agency and, with Cease coming off the market, may increase up their

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