The San Diego Padres are open to discussing trade opportunities involving right-handed starting pitcher Dylan Cease as the trade deadline approaches, though sources indicate a deal is unlikely to materialize. This update on the Dylan Cease Padres trade update comes amid the team’s efforts to strengthen various roster positions before the deadline.
Trade Interest and Team Strategy
According to Robert Murray of Fansided, the Padres remain receptive to offers across different parts of their roster, including the lineup, starting rotation, and bullpen. The team recently made history by having three relievers appear in the same All-Star Game. Despite this, the Padres have maintained openness to trade inquiries concerning Cease, whom they have been willing to move since the offseason.
“The Padres are open to adding to all areas of the roster: the lineup, rotation and bullpen, even after becoming the first team to have three relievers pitch in the same All-Star Game,” —Robert Murray, Writer
“The Padres are also open to listening to inquiries on right-handed starter Dylan Cease, something they have done since the offseason. But a trade has been described by multiple sources as a longshot.” —Robert Murray, Writer
Despite the openness, several insiders consider a trade involving Cease to be improbable as the deadline nears.
Contract Status and Performance Overview
Dylan Cease’s contract with the Padres expires at the end of this season, prompting the team to maximize their return if a suitable trade offer appears. Reports suggest San Diego shared a package including Cease, top prospect Ethan Salas, and another unnamed player with the Boston Red Sox in exchange for All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran, signaling some willingness to part ways with Cease.
At nearly 30 years old this offseason, Cease has struggled this season compared to his stellar outings last year. His earned run average (ERA) has risen to 4.59, more than a run higher than last season, and he is allowing close to two more hits per nine innings pitched. Nevertheless, Cease continues to excel in strikeouts, averaging 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings, the second-best mark of his career after leading the American League in 2021.
Prospects for Cease’s Future With the Padres
Despite these trade possibilities, the prevailing expectation is that Dylan Cease will remain with the Padres for the rest of the season. With the trade deadline only days away and no strong rumor of advanced negotiations, the team is poised to keep its right-handed starter through the year’s end.
This decision may reflect the Padres’ belief in Cease’s value on the mound and their desire to maintain stability within the pitching staff as they push toward postseason contention.