The San Diego Padres had the final NL Wild Card slot going into Sunday’s games. San Diego is in dire need of offensive support at the trade deadline following a scorching start to the season. Bob Nightengale of USA Today claims that Dylan Cease could be traded by the Padres at the MLB trade deadline, but only in exchange for a certain return.
Nightengale writes, “The Padres have been quietly shopping starter Dylan Cease for about a month in order to find controllable players who can help them both now and in the future.”
Prior to the 2024 season, Cease was acquired by the Padres from the Chicago White Sox. with his debut season with San Diego, he had a 3.47 ERA and was ranked fourth in the Cy Young vote. The Padres need offense, and Cease will be a free agency at the conclusion of the season. It might be prudent to switch him to a team with the opposite issue.
The Cleveland Guardians won’t want to sign a potential free agent, but Steven Kwan fits the void left by San Diego’s Jurickson Profar. In order to improve their rotation, the Boston Red Sox may trade Jarren Duran, who is under team control until 2029, for Cease. Although it creates a gap in their rotation, it would benefit the Padres in left.
If the Padres moved Cease, they would have to re-sign starting Michael King. They wouldn’t have adequate pitching depth going ahead, despite Nick Pivetta’s outstanding play this season. This would be a wise move if the front office is prepared to make that expenditure.
Another team that needs pitchers and is prepared to extend Cease is the New York Mets. The Padres might benefit from veteran outfielder Starling Marte, and rumors have it that teams are inquiring about his availability. However, he is 36 years old and will not have team management after this year.
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