Credit: AP Photo
Dylan Cease is a free agent this winter, and the San Diego Padres may elect to deal the pitcher now instead of allowing him to walk away.
The next week is expected to be a very active time for the San Diego Padres.
There is no doubt that the roster needs upgrades. Most would argue that there are needs in the starting lineup.
In a recent development, the Padres are reportedly “listening” to offers for right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease.
This seems like a shocking move for a team in contention for a NL Wild Card spot, but the Padres know they will not retain the pitcher beyond this season. Cease is due for free agency, and there is virtually no shot that the Padres can afford his asking price, which could eclipse $175-180 million.
In true A.J. Preller fashion, the Padres may choose to maximize his value now and trade him. Cease will be worth a lower-level draft pick for San Diego if they keep him and allow him to sign elsewhere in the winter. So, they will be expecting to obtain a decent haul for the ace-like pitcher.
Cease eats innings and his stuff is still remarkably sharp. He tops out in the 99 mph range and possesses one of the nastiest sliders in the league. His failures and struggles this season are, to say the least, head-scratching. The ability is there for the pitcher, and he looks poised to go on a run in the second half to bring his inflated numbers this season back down to his career level.
The Padres are listening on Dylan Cease, with the Yankees, Mets, Cubs and Red Sox among teams believed to have checked in. SD is a buyer but often listens on rentals. Major long shot!
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 23, 2025
Heyman is reporting that the wealthy teams have interest. Not surprising.
Both New York teams, the Cubs and the Red Sox, are competing for a playoff spot this season. It is difficult to see any of those teams part with relevant players.
San Diego will need to be creative this trade season. You get the sense that there are some budget restraints within the team, although nothing has been communicated. In parting with Cease, the Padres would save some money, but would it be enough to replace him in the rotation and add the suitable replacements necessary to take this roster to the next level?
A Dylan Cease trade may be the first domino in a flurry of moves by the Padres. There is no doubt the team will be active in the next week. Anything is in the realm of possibility when you talk about A.J. Preller and the MLB Trade Deadline.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.
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