The San Diego Padres sit just 4.5 games out of first place with a playoff push on their minds. So why are they suddenly fielding calls about trading one of their starting pitchers?
With the trade deadline approaching, Dylan Cease has become an unexpected name in trade discussions, creating a fascinating dilemma for a team trying to balance present opportunities with future flexibility.
Why Are the Padres Considering Trading Dylan Cease?
The Padres are 55-47 for the 2025 campaign, holding the second spot in the NL West standings, and coming off a series loss against the Miami Marlins. They hope to bounce back from the defeat when they take on the St. Louis Cardinals in a four-game series at Busch Stadium starting Thursday.
The Padres haven’t had a busy few weeks leading up to the trade deadline, as they haven’t made any moves to reinforce their roster in July. But it could all change. San Diego might be looking to trade one of their staple starters, who is headed for free agency after the 2025 season. Some ballclubs have started to inquire about the right-hander.
MLB insider and senior writer for ESPN, Buster Olney, shared some information regarding the latest developments in the Padres camp. According to Olney, San Diego might be looking to trade their pitching ace, Cease, ahead of the trade deadline, as he is having a subpar 2025 campaign and is potentially headed for free agency after the season.
In his social media post on X, Olney wrote, “A surprise name has emerged in the starting pitcher market: Cease, who will be eligible for free agency at year’s end. The perception of other teams is that the Padres are intent on making a push for the playoffs and would use Cease to help fill other roster needs. Mets, AL East teams, Cubs among teams that have talked about him.”
Which Teams Are Interested in Acquiring Cease?
The Padres are reportedly listening on trades for RHP Dylan Cease, per @JonHeyman.
The Yankees, Mets, Cubs and Red Sox are among teams to check in. pic.twitter.com/HrJnmrka5C
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 23, 2025
According to another MLB insider, Jon Heyman, the New York Mets, the Chicago Cubs, the Boston Red Sox, and the New York Yankees are among the AL East and NL teams mentioned as potential suitors for Cease. Cease is undoubtedly a strong, gritty pitcher who can flourish with any of these organizations.
These teams are all contending for a chance to play October baseball in 2025. While the Mets and the Cubs are fighting to clinch their respective divisions in the NL, the Yankees and the Red Sox are vying for a place as wildcard entrants, and possibly making a charge toward the top of the AL East in the remaining games.
Cease is currently 3-10 for the 2025 campaign, with an ERA of 4.59, 144 strikeouts, and 1.30 WHIP in 21 starts. He could benefit from a change in city, stadium, and baseball team for the remainder of the 2025 season.