The San Diego Padres are still exploring their options this winter, and this includes possibly trading some of their key players.
In a recent article by Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer, it’s suggested that the Padres might trade their ace, Dylan Cease, to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for outfielders Heston Kjerstad and Enrique Bradfield Jr., who is the Orioles’ No. 5 prospect.
“According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the O’s were in on Cease even before they lost Corbin Burnes to the D-backs,” Rymer wrote. “With his exit now official, the need for an ace atop Baltimore’s starting rotation is certainly that much more glaring.”
“As Cease is ticketed for free agency after 2025, the Orioles would be running the same play they ran on Burnes if they were to trade for him. It could prove to be an upgrade. Whereas Burnes is declining as a whiff artist, Cease was in the 92nd percentile for whiff rate this year.”
The Padres are in need of starting pitchers, which makes trading Cease seem unlikely. However, it’s still a possibility since they are trying to reduce their payroll. San Diego’s projected payroll for 2025 is about $40 million higher than it was at the end of last season.
The Padres might also be waiting to see if Japanese free agent Roki Sasaki makes his decision. Sasaki is their top target and is not expected to sign with any team until at least Jan. 15.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network also mentioned the Orioles as a possible destination for Cease in early December.
Cease had a solid season, making 33 starts with a 14-11 record, 3.47 ERA, 1.067 WHIP, 224 strikeouts, and a 4.2 WAR. He finished fourth in the NL Cy Young voting and two years ago placed second in the AL Cy Young race with the White Sox.
Cease, who will turn 29 later this month, has a career record of 48-35 with a 3.52 ERA, 1.207 WHIP, 891 strikeouts, and a 16.0 WAR since 2021.
With Cease set to become a free agent next year, the Padres don’t expect to be able to re-sign him. However, A.J. Preller, the Padres’ general manager, is known for his unpredictable approach.
