Overview

• Bleacher Report ranks the Mets as Cease’s No. 1 landing spot for the offseason, a view echoed in recaps by Heavy and The Sporting News.
• New York’s projected sub‑$200 million payroll before arbitration and Steve Cohen’s recent history of spending beyond $320 million create room for a frontline signing.
• Despite a down platform year by ERA and only eight quality starts, Cease led the league in strikeouts per nine innings and maintained durability.
• Bleacher Report’s evaluation notes FIP, xERA and xwOBA that point to bad luck more than regression, framing Cease as a rebound candidate.
• Other teams flagged as potential bidders include the Tigers, Orioles and Blue Jays, each facing rotation gaps that could position them to pursue the right‑hander.