The San Diego Padres have reportedly been open to trade offers for their ace, Dylan Cease, this offseason. As one of the league’s top pitchers in recent years, Cease is entering the final year of his contract, making his future in San Diego uncertain.
If his free agency asking price is too high, the Padres may not be able to retain him, making a trade a more logical move.
Tim Britton of The Athletic recently projected Cease could land a massive $210 million deal in free agency. If that estimate is accurate, the Padres would be better off trading him now rather than losing him for nothing.
With significant financial commitments to stars like Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Xander Bogaerts, the Padres are unlikely to afford a $200 million contract for Cease or any other player.
Trading him could bring back a strong return, with teams like the Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles emerging as potential suitors.
The Orioles could offer a package heavy on position-player prospects, while the Braves might part with top young arms like AJ Smith-Shawver or Hurston Waldrep.
Ultimately, if the Padres have little chance of re-signing Cease, moving him now would be the best decision.
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