Padres Weigh Trade Offers for Dylan Cease

The San Diego Padres are contemplating significant roster changes ahead of the 2025 MLB season, with discussions surrounding starting pitcher Dylan Cease being a focal point. Cease, who posted a 3.47 ERA in 2024 and is entering his final arbitration year, is seen as a valuable trade asset due to his impending free agency and rising salary demands. The Padres, having traded Juan Soto under similar circumstances, are weighing offers that could provide multiple controllable players, particularly starting pitchers, akin to the package they received for Soto last year. While the Philadelphia Phillies are interested in acquiring Cease, potentially offering prospects like Mick Abel, the Boston Red Sox are also considered a contender, given their need for starting pitching after losing key players to free agency. Meanwhile, the Padres are exploring internal options like Adrian Morejon for their rotation, indicating a strategic pivot as they address roster and financial considerations. Despite these trade talks, no deal involving Cease is imminent, with varying levels of seriousness reported in ongoing negotiations.