The offseason has something for everyone. And it does not seem that Dylan Cease has his coming future with the San Diego Padres. The team has been reportedly seeking a way out for Cease. And an AL East Team is what they are looking for.
The Padres are reportedly looking to make a deal breaker for pitcher Dylan Cease with the Baltimore Orioles. With their president of baseball operations, A.J. Preller, seeking “significant major-league value,” the Padres are looking to offload Cease for a package that could include top prospects from the Orioles’ impressive farm system. The reported targets from San Diego include promising young talents like Jordan Westburg, Coby Mayo, and Samuel Basalo.
Interestingly, all of them have shown the potential to become impactful players in the majors. However, the negotiations are complicated by the fact that these prospects are crucial to the Orioles’ long-term plans. Things can go sour for both franchises involved in the discussions.
BREAKING: The Baltimore Orioles and The San Diego Padres have agreed to a trade that sends Adley Rutschman to the Padres for Dylan Cease and prospects
— MJ (@MJTheGamer_) February 8, 2025
Sources tell ESPN pic.twitter.com/MNxhGE89sp
The Orioles, fresh off a successful 101-win season and boasting one of the best farm systems in baseball, are cautious about making a move that could jeopardize their sustained success. They are faced with the dilemma of whether to acquire Cease. Baltimore is looking left, right, and center to see if they could afford to sacrifice their depth for what might only be a short-term pitching boost.
With a young core that includes stars like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore is positioned to compete for years to come. However, parting with key prospects for a player like Cease, while potentially beneficial in the short term, might impede their long-term trajectory.
Also Read: Dylan Cease Trade Rumors: AL Central Team Could Pivot Padres Star In Potential Move
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The Orioles Has Answer To Dylan Cease Trade
As per rumors, the Padres have set an impossible bar with their asking price for Dylan Cease. And the development led compelling teams like the New York Mets to walk away from trade discussions. Their request for top prospects such as Jordan Westburg, Samuel Basallo, and Coby Mayo is simply too steep for a player who is only a one-year rental.
In an era where teams are cautious about parting with high-value assets for short-term gains, the Padres’ inflated expectations are not resonating with contenders eager to maintain their core. This creates a unique opportunity for the Baltimore Orioles, who have a potential counter to the Padres’ lofty demands.
Talking through different paths for the Orioles to improve the team on the show yesterday:
— Zach Bollinger (@zachbollinger18) January 3, 2025
Step 1: re-sign Anthony Santander
Step 2: use Heston Kjerstad to go get one of the young pitchers from Seattle
What are your guys thoughts? pic.twitter.com/Uq3XhINMK3
One player who stands out for the Orioles is Heston Kjerstad. Recently, Kjerstad has emerged as a notable trade chip, boasting a respectable minor-league batting average of .304. Although his 2023 debut was shaky, his performance in 2024 showed promise. He achieved a slash line of .253/.351/.394 in the big leagues with four home runs.
The versatility and potential of Kjerstad make him an appealing candidate to include in negotiations. Especially when the Padres are fixated on securing premium prospects. The Orioles could offer Kjerstad as a centerpiece without fully sacrificing their top-tier talent. That will allow for a more palatable trade that still addresses the Padres’ need for value.
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