The San Diego Padres are keeping their options open this offseason, including the possibility of trading some key players.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer recently suggested that the Padres could trade ace Dylan Cease to the Baltimore Orioles. In exchange, the Orioles might part with outfielders Heston Kjerstad and Enrique Bradfield Jr., the team’s No. 5 prospect.
“According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Orioles were interested in Cease even before they lost Corbin Burnes to the Diamondbacks,” Rymer noted. “Now that Burnes is officially gone, the Orioles’ need for an ace to lead their rotation is even more pressing.”
Rymer further explained the logic: “With Cease set to hit free agency after 2025, the Orioles would essentially be taking the same approach they attempted with Burnes. However, Cease could be an upgrade. While Burnes has shown some decline in generating swings and misses, Cease was in the 92nd percentile for whiff rate this season.”
While the Padres need starting pitching themselves, which makes dealing Cease less likely, the move remains on the table as the team aims to lower its payroll. San Diego’s projected payroll for 2025 is approximately $40 million higher than last season’s final figure. Additionally, they may be waiting for Japanese free agent Roki Sasaki, their top target, who isn’t expected to make a decision until at least January 15.
Morosi also highlighted the Orioles as a potential landing spot for Cease earlier in December.
Cease had a strong season, starting 33 games and finishing with a 14-11 record, a 3.47 ERA, a 1.067 WHIP, 224 strikeouts, and a 4.2 WAR. He placed fourth in the NL Cy Young voting and was the AL Cy Young runner-up in 2022 during his time with the White Sox. Across his career, Cease, who turns 29 this month, has a 48-35 record, a 3.52 ERA, a 1.207 WHIP, 891 strikeouts, and a 16.0 WAR since 2021.
With Cease unlikely to re-sign after 2025, the Padres face a tough decision. However, general manager A.J. Preller is known for his unpredictable strategies, leaving all options on the table.
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