The San Diego Padres have faced a challenging offseason, marked by a looming ownership lawsuit, a clear push to reduce payroll, numerous key free agents leaving for other teams, and fans watching in frustration as the situation unfolds. This series of setbacks has left the Padres’ faithful feeling disappointed and disillusioned. However, there is still an opportunity to turn things around by making strategic trades to bring in fresh talent. The trade market could provide a much-needed boost to a 93-win roster, while also helping to address payroll concerns and organizational needs.
Throughout the winter, the Padres have reportedly been exploring trade options involving some of their core players, although no deals have materialized yet. As Spring Training approaches and other teams begin to intensify their efforts to improve their rosters, the Padres may soon find the right opportunity to make a move. This sentiment is echoed by former New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles general manager Jim Duquette, who shared a potential trade scenario on the Mets Hot Stove podcast involving Padres standout pitcher Dylan Cease.
According to Duquette, the Padres could potentially trade Cease to the Mets in exchange for a package including right-handed pitcher Tylor Megill, top prospect Jett Williams, and catcher Ronald Hernández. Megill, who posted his lowest ERA of 4.04 in 2024, would immediately fill the void left by Cease in the Padres’ starting rotation. Williams, the Mets’ No. 1 prospect, is an infielder who could be MLB-ready at just 21 years old, potentially serving as the Padres’ starting second baseman of the future. Hernández, ranked as the Mets’ No. 26 prospect, could provide depth at catcher for San Diego, potentially evolving into an everyday option behind the plate.
While this trade scenario would be challenging for the Padres to execute, especially with Cease’s contract expiring soon, it could offer long-term benefits. Cease, who finished fourth in Cy Young voting in 2024, is coming off a career-high 189.1 innings pitched, 224 strikeouts, and a solid 3.47 ERA. He tied his career-high wins total with 14, further solidifying his value. Even if the Padres ultimately choose not to trade Cease, keeping him could still be a positive outcome, as he remains a key asset in the rotation.
