Introduction
Dylan Cease is one of the more intriguing arms in modern Major League Baseball (MLB). Known for his towering presence, high strikeout totals, and pronounced volatility inning to inning, Cease has attracted both praise and skepticism. As of 2025, with the free-agent market heating up and teams like Baltimore Orioles reportedly eyeing him, understanding his background — from high school roots to MLB stats, and what he may offer next — is vital. This article dives deep into Cease’s age, career era, statistical profile via ESPN & Baseball‑Reference, early life, and what a jump to the Orioles might mean.
Early Life & Background (College / High School)
Although your title mentions “College,” Cease’s publicly documented background shows he was drafted out of high school rather than college. According to Baseball-Reference, Cease was drafted in the 6th round of the 2014 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Chicago Cubs, out of Milton High School in Milton, Georgia.
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Name: Dylan Edward Cease
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Born: December 28, 1995 — Milton, Georgia, U.S.
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High School: Milton High School (Milton, GA)
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Draft Info: 2014 MLB Draft, Round 6, pick #169 overall (by Cubs)
So while there is no publicly available data about college baseball for Cease — implying he went pro straight from high school — his early potential was recognized, leading to his drafting in 2014.
Age & Physical Profile
As of now (late 2025), Cease is 29 years old — he turns 30 on December 28, 2025.
Physically, Cease is listed at:
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Height: 6′2″ (188 cm)
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Weight: Around 200 lbs (≈ 90 kg)
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Bats/Throws: Right / Right
That combination — a tall, sturdy frame and right-handed throwing arm — gives Cease the prototypical build of a power pitcher, which aligns with his strikeout-heavy profile.
MLB Career Era — Timeline & Teams
Cease’s professional arc spans from his draft in 2014 to his emergence as a big-league starter and now entering free agency. Key milestones in his MLB era:
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Drafted in 2014 by the Cubs (6th round) from high school.
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Traded before his debut, eventually landing with the Chicago White Sox.
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MLB debut: July 3, 2019 — at age 23, for the White Sox.
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Played with White Sox 2019–2023.
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Before 2024 season, traded to the San Diego Padres.
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Through the 2025 season, logged 7 MLB seasons, making 188 starts.
In 2025, as free agency looms, Cease remains a “top-ranked starting pitcher” among the available pool.
So his “era” can be summarized as: a late-2010s draft pick rising rapidly to become one of MLB’s strikeout-heavy, high-ceiling starters through the early to mid-2020s.
Statistical Profile — ESPN & Baseball-Reference
Career Overview (through 2025)
According to Baseball-Reference:
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Win–loss record: 65–58
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Earned Run Average (ERA): 3.88
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Strikeouts: 1,231 in 1,015.1 innings (≈ 10.9 K/9)
From ESPN’s 2025 season snapshot:
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2025 stats: 8-12 W-L, 4.55 ERA, 215 strikeouts, WHIP 1.33
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Career totals (as of 2025): 188 games, 188 starts, 1015.1 innings pitched, 1,231 K, 121 HR allowed, 430 BB.
These numbers show a pitcher who gets swings and misses at a high rate — yet also one whose results (ERA, consistency) have fluctuated season to season.
Pitching Style & Analytics
Cease’s high strikeout rate is a major selling point; in multiple seasons, he has registered 200+ strikeouts, even as teams continue to show interest.
Advanced metrics at times show that his “true” performance (FIP, xERA) may suggest better underlying value than surface results, indicating some misfortune or variance.
However — in weaker seasons, like 2025 — his elevated ERA and WHIP show signs of regression, whether due to walks, home runs, or inconsistent command.
College? — Or Straight From High School
Contrary to many MLB prospects, there is no evidence that Cease played college baseball. He was drafted directly out of high school (Milton HS) in 2014.
Thus, while “College” appears in your requested title, for Cease the relevant background is his high-school performance and subsequent minor league development, culminating in MLB debut at age 23.
Why “Orioles”? — Cease’s Free Agency & Potential Fit
As of late 2025, Cease is a free agent — making him one of the most sought-after starting pitchers on the market.
There have been rumblings about interest from the Baltimore Orioles, who could benefit from a durable, high-upside starter. (Note: proposals and trade-rumors are speculative, but his availability and profile make him a natural target.)
What he offers:
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Durability: Cease has consistently made 30+ starts per season in recent years.
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Strikeout upside: Over 1,200 career strikeouts, with multiple 200-K seasons.
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Upside if command and luck align: His underlying metrics (FIP, xERA) suggest his “true talent” might be better than some rough surface seasons.
Why there’s risk:
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Inconsistency: 2025 saw a 4.55 ERA and elevated WHIP.
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Control issues: Walks and home runs allowed have spiked at times.
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Volatility: High strikeouts — but sometimes paired with high ERAs, which makes him a boom-or-bust proposition rather than a safe pick.
For a club like the Orioles — especially one looking to rebuild or fortify its rotation — Cease represents both high upside and manageable risk. If they can stabilize his command and surround him with a good defense and bullpen, the payoff could be substantial.
The Bigger Picture: How Cease Fits Into MLB’s Evolving Pitching Era
Over the last decade, MLB has seen a shift: power pitching, high strikeout rates, and a tolerance for volatility — as long as strikeouts remain high. Cease embodies this new archetype: a modern “three true outcomes” style pitcher (strikeouts, walks, homers) but with potential to be more.
His career path — high-school draftee, fast-tracked to MLB, and now a free agent at 30 — also reflects the ways teams invest early in raw arms, with the belief that velocity and strikeouts can pay off even if consistency lags.
The interest from clubs like the Orioles suggests teams still value strikeout-heavy pitchers, even if they come with risk. For many clubs, Cease represents a potential high-ceiling rotation anchor — if properly managed.
FAQs
Q: How old is Dylan Cease?
A: He was born on December 28, 1995. As of now (late 2025), he is 29 — turning 30 in December.
Q: What teams has he played for?
A: Cease made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox (2019–2023), then played for the San Diego Padres (2024–2025).
Q: Where did he go to college?
A: He did not attend college for baseball. He was drafted straight out of high school (Milton High School, Milton, GA).
Q: What are his career stats (as of 2025)?
A: As of 2025, Cease has a career win–loss record of 65–58, a 3.88 ERA, and 1,231 strikeouts in 1,015.1 innings.
Q: Is Cease currently a free agent — and why might the Orioles be interested?
A: Yes — Cease entered free agency after the 2025 season. Because of his combination of durability, strikeout ability, and upside, he represents an attractive albeit risky rotation option for a team like the Orioles seeking to improve their pitching staff. Dylan Cease.
Conclusion
Dylan Cease stands at an interesting crossroads in his career. From a high-schooler drafted in 2014 to a major-league starter with more than 1,200 strikeouts, he has proven his arm’s potential. Yet his inconsistency and occasional volatility make him a risky — but high-reward — option.
As free agency looms (2025–26), a landing spot at clubs like the Orioles could offer Cease a fresh start. If he can harness his electric stuff with better control and consistency, the payoff could be significant: a strikeout-heavy innings-eater with ace-level upside. For teams willing to gamble, Cease remains one of the most intriguing arms on the market.
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