The San Diego Padres are reportedly listening to trade offers for ace pitcher Dylan Cease, but a deal before the season starts appears unlikely. Instead, the team may opt to move him closer to the trade deadline, depending on their position in the standings. While the Padres have a talented roster, the National League is stacked with competitive teams, which could make it difficult for them to stay in the playoff race. If they find themselves on the outside looking in by midseason, they may see trading Cease as their best option.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report recently speculated that Cease could be traded to the Atlanta Braves in a major deal later this season. He pointed out that if expected contenders such as the Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and Philadelphia Phillies perform as projected, the Padres may decide to part ways with Cease rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency. Given that Cease is set to hit the open market next offseason, San Diego could prioritize acquiring assets rather than holding onto him in a season where they may not be serious title contenders.
One of the biggest factors in a potential Cease trade is the relationship between Padres general manager AJ Preller and Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos. The two executives have not frequently worked together on trades, with only one minor deal between them since Anthopoulos took over the Braves’ front office in 2017. However, if the Padres decide to move Cease, the Braves could emerge as one of the most logical suitors, given their desire to bolster their starting rotation.
A return for Cease would likely include one of the Braves’ top pitching prospects, along with additional players to make the deal worthwhile for San Diego. Cease is one of the most talented pitchers in the game, and teams will have to pay a premium to acquire him. Given the Padres’ financial situation, retaining him beyond this season seems unlikely. According to Spotrac, Cease is projected to sign a contract worth at least $108 million in free agency, though his actual market value could be even higher. If the Padres are unwilling or unable to match that price tag, trading him before he walks away for nothing would be the most logical move.
For the Braves, acquiring Cease could be a game-changer. Atlanta already has a strong roster and is expected to be a major contender in the National League. Adding Cease to a rotation that is expected to get Spencer Strider back from injury would give them one of the deepest and most dangerous pitching staffs in baseball. If the Braves are looking to make another run at a World Series title, landing Cease at the deadline could be the move that pushes them over the top.
Ultimately, whether the Padres decide to trade Cease will come down to how their season unfolds. If they remain in the playoff hunt, they may hold onto him in hopes of making a push. But if they fall behind in the standings, moving him for a strong return could be their best bet for the future. With multiple teams likely to express interest in Cease, the trade deadline could become a pivotal moment for both San Diego and any team looking to acquire a frontline starter.
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