Trade Winds Swirling: Padres Consider Dealing Former Cy Young Finalists in a…

The San Diego Padres face significant challenges this offseason, with starting pitching topping their list of needs. However, they have several other holes to address, and exploring trade opportunities for one of their star pitchers, Dylan Cease, could provide the flexibility to reshape their roster. Cease, a 28-year-old right-hander, was acquired by the Padres in a last-minute trade last offseason. Less than a year later, he could be on the move again.

Report: Padres Considering Trading Former CY Young Finalist

Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune recently reported from the Winter Meetings that the Padres are open to trading Cease, though no deal appears imminent. Financial constraints drive the team’s willingness to entertain offers, a sentiment echoed by The Athletic’s Dennis Lin. Lin highlighted Cease, along with Luis Arraez, as potential trade chips entering the final year of their contracts. Cease delivered a strong performance in his debut season with San Diego. He posted a 3.47 ERA (118 ERA+), struck out 224 batters, and recorded a 4.2 WAR alongside a career-best 1.067 WHIP.

Known for his dominance on the mound, Cease finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting and ranked among the league’s top 10 in several pitching categories. Despite his regular-season success, Cease struggled in the postseason, surrendering eight earned runs in five innings during two appearances against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series. His shaky performance, punctuated by home runs from Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, frustrated fans but hasn’t diminished his trade value.

Interest From AL East Contenders?

As the offseason progresses, Cease could emerge as a desirable target for teams seeking top-tier pitching but hesitant to commit to long-term free-agent deals. While notable names like Corbin Burnes, Jack Flaherty, and Sean Manea are still on the market, Cease offers a compelling alternative. A few AL East contenders, including the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles, are reportedly in the market for an ace. Cease’s proven success makes him an ideal fit for these teams.

The Red Sox, in particular, could be a strong trade partner for the Padres. Reports suggest Boston recently attempted to acquire a Mariners pitcher, either Bryce Miller or Bryan Woo, offering first baseman Triston Casas in return. While that deal fell through, the Padres could express interest in Casas or one of Boston’s outfielders or starters as part of a potential Cease trade package. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi also linked Cease to the Red Sox as an option “if Burnes and Fried sign elsewhere.” According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, Fried is now off the board, as he has signed a massive eight-year, 218 million dollar deal with the New York Yankees. This news could make Boston or Baltimore more aggressive in their pursuit of a starting pitcher.

The Last Word

The Padres may opt to wait for other pitching trades to unfold before making a decision on Cease. With names like Garrett Crochet and Luis Castillo rumored to be on the trade block , the market could shift rapidly in the coming weeks. General Manager A.J. Preller is known for his creativity and bold moves, so while a Cease trade remains uncertain, it can’t be ruled out. The Padres have pressing needs in the outfield, infield, bullpen, and rotation. Preller could seize the opportunity to bolster multiple roster areas if the right offer comes along.