The San Diego Padres have an important decision to make this offseason. There has been significant buzz around Dylan Cease’s trade rumor. While the deadline is almost next door, things will move fast from here on. And any sidestep could turn out as a last resort soon.
Recently, analysts have identified Cease as a favorite for the Chicago Cubs. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reports that the Padres are actively discussing potential trades with the Cubs. With Cease scheduled to earn $13.75 million in 2025, he’s entering the final season of team control before hitting free agency. And the rumor comes during a time when the Padres are reportedly looking to create payroll flexibility.
The Cubs have spoken with the Padres about Dylan Cease, as I reported on #MLBNHotStove this morning. https://t.co/JGynIJclhY
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 30, 2025
However, Cease has a history with the Cubs after being drafted by them in 2014. And if the deal works out, it could significantly upgrade Chicago’s rotation that has struggled to establish consistency. The Cubs’ current starters include Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and Javier Assad. But their projected rotation ranks only 20th in MLB by FanGraphs.
Interestingly, Cease’s impressive metrics are higher than any of the Cubs’ current starters. And he had a 4.2 WAR last season that would help him make an impact on the lineup. Given that the Cubs possess seven top 100 prospects, six of whom are expected to make their MLB debuts in 2025, they appear to be an ideal trade partner for the Padres.
Also Read: Elias Diaz Move: How Are Padres Addressing Their Offseason Needs With Former All-Star Catcher?
Padres Have To Do A Bit Of Maths Before Trading Dylan Cease
Before the San Diego Padres make any decisions about trading Dylan Cease, they need to do some serious calculations. The team no longer faces a strict mandate to cut payroll for the 2025 season, but they’re still in a tight budget situation. With multiple holes in the lineup needing to be addressed, trading a player like Cease could create valuable financial flexibility.
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Cease is a valuable front-line starter for the Padres. Given their current limited rotation depth, the team faces a tough decision. They need to balance the potential return from a trade against the risks of losing such a talented pitcher.
The Cubs have spoken with the Padres about a Dylan Cease trade, per @jonmorosi pic.twitter.com/TtTVvQeTck
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) January 30, 2025
Over the past four seasons, Cease has really proven himself. He has a solid 3.52 ERA and an impressive strikeout rate of 29.7%. His durability and experience make him very attractive to other teams. However, the Padres must think carefully about what they would gain from trading him.
If they decide to move him, they’ll likely seek younger talent. Players who can strengthen their roster both now and in the future would be ideal. Additionally, trading Cease could provide the payroll relief the Padres need. This would allow them to make crucial acquisitions to improve their lineup.
