The San Diego Padres are actively evaluating their options this winter, and this could include the possibility of trading away some of their star players to reshape the roster. One player who has been at the center of trade speculation is ace pitcher Dylan Cease, with recent reports predicting a potential deal that would send him to the Baltimore Orioles. According to Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer, the Padres could receive outfield prospects Heston Kjerstad and Enrique Bradfield Jr., who is currently ranked as the Orioles’ No. 5 prospect, in return for Cease.
This proposed trade makes sense for the Orioles, especially after losing Corbin Burnes to the Arizona Diamondbacks. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi mentioned that Baltimore was already interested in acquiring Cease before Burnes officially left, and with Burnes gone, the Orioles’ need for an ace at the top of their rotation has become even more urgent. Cease, who is slated for free agency after the 2025 season, could provide a significant upgrade for the Orioles. Rymer noted that while Burnes is seen as declining, Cease ranked in the 92nd percentile for whiff rate in 2023, showcasing his ability to miss bats at an elite level.
Despite the potential fit for the Orioles, the Padres face a dilemma. While they need starting pitching, trading away Cease seems unlikely, as he is one of their top assets. However, the Padres are also under financial pressure and are looking to reduce payroll. Their projected payroll for the 2025 season is approximately $40 million higher than it was at the end of the previous year, which has led to speculation that they may consider parting ways with Cease to balance their books.
Another factor in the Padres’ decision could be their interest in Japanese free agent Roki Sasaki, who has emerged as one of their top targets for the offseason. Sasaki is not expected to make a decision on his future until at least January 15, so the Padres may be holding off on any major moves involving Cease until they know more about Sasaki’s intentions.
Cease, who made 33 starts for the Padres last season, has been a standout performer, posting a 14-11 record with a 3.47 ERA, 1.067 WHIP, and 224 strikeouts. He also contributed a 4.2 WAR and finished fourth in the National League Cy Young voting in 2023, just two years after finishing second in the American League Cy Young race with the Chicago White Sox. As Cease approaches his 29th birthday later this month, he has accumulated a career record of 48-35, a 3.52 ERA, and 891 strikeouts over the last three seasons.
With only one year remaining before he hits free agency, the Padres are realistic about the likelihood of re-signing Cease, especially given their financial constraints. However, Padres general manager A.J. Preller is known for his unpredictability, which means that any trade involving Cease could still come as a surprise, depending on how the team decides to navigate its roster and payroll situation in the coming weeks.
