Dylan Cease, regarded as one of the San Diego Padres’ top pitchers, has struggled this season with a 3-10 record and a disappointing 4.59 ERA. Despite speculation around the Dylan Cease trade deadline decision, the Padres appear determined to retain him as they prepare for a playoff run this fall.
The rationale behind the Padres holding on to Dylan Cease
The Padres may have considered trading Cease before the July 31 deadline to capitalize on his remaining value ahead of his free agency. However, former Miami Marlins president David Samson explained why this scenario is unlikely. Samson emphasized that while Cease’s losses highlight inconsistency, his dominant performances make him a critical asset. He pointed out the appeal of having a pitcher who seems destined for the postseason roster, stating,
“The problem with [trading Dylan Cease] is the games he loses, he’s bad, but the games he wins, he’s so good that it’s tantalizing.”
Samson added that, when managing a baseball team, the decision goes beyond analytics and value—possession of a key player like Cease who fits in the “game one lineup” makes trading him unfeasible.
Samson further clarified that the Padres’ strong position heading into October changes the calculus entirely.
“If you’ve got a name that goes in the one-hole and you’re not going to have a game one, totally different. The Padres are going to have a game one, and when you’ve got that, you cannot make a change. The Padres will not trade Dylan Cease before July 31st,”
he stated. This underscores the club’s confidence in their playoff chances and the importance of retaining Cease’s pitching talent despite recent struggles.
Injuries to key pitchers increase Cease’s value for San Diego
Another significant factor influencing the Padres’ decision to hold onto Cease is the injury situation within their pitching staff. Two vital pitchers, Michael King and Joe Musgrove, are sidelined for the foreseeable future. Musgrove is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery during the offseason, while King continues to recover from a right shoulder and thoracic nerve injury with no definitive return date. Given this depletion of their rotation, Cease’s presence on the mound has become even more crucial for the Padres as they navigate the second half of the season and look toward the postseason.
Cease’s retention reflects the Padres’ strategy to protect their chances at success in the playoffs, balancing short-term pitching needs against longer-term contract considerations. Maintaining a reliable starter like Cease, despite an uneven campaign, provides stability and depth that could prove vital in critical games ahead.