Luis Arraez, Dylan Cease, and Xander Bogaerts might not have a guaranteed future with the San Diego Padres. According to B/R Walk-Off, Jon Heyman of the New York Post has reported that the Padres are open to trade discussions involving the three key players (via Ryan Phillips of CBS 17).
Padres could avoid spending hefty on a trio of stars in 2026
Arraez and Cease are both nearing the final year of their contracts in 2025, while Bogaerts is in the midst of an 11-year, $280 million deal that began in 2023.
Arraez, a three-time batting champion, is an incredibly efficient hitter, and Cease has established himself as a true ace in the Majors. However, San Diego is taking a long-term view of their payroll, recognizing that both players will likely command substantial raises with their next contracts.
Meanwhile, Bogaerts remains a significant financial commitment for the Padres, with eight more years left on his deal. By the time the contract concludes, the four-time All-Star will be in his forties. Although he was limited to just 111 games in 2024—his lowest total in a full 162-game season since 2018—the five-time Silver Slugger remains a strong defender, a reliable hitter, and a capable base-stealer for the team.
Padres could swap elite talent for stable financial future
While Arraez’s knack for consistently hitting well above .300 is a tremendous asset, Cease’s ability to strike out hitters at an elite level and Bogaerts’ reputation as one of the top infielders in the league make them valuable as well. However, the Padres are likely to explore their options in order to get ahead of a potentially tight salary cap situation looming on the horizon.
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