Padres Retain Dylan Cease Amid Trade Deadline Interest

The San Diego Padres chose to retain starting pitcher Dylan Cease during the 2025 MLB trade deadline despite significant interest from other teams, including the Houston Astros. Cease, a pending free agent with Cy Young-caliber potential but inconsistent command, posted a 4.79 ERA and a high strikeout rate this season. Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller emphasized that keeping Cease was part of building the best team for multiple postseason runs, alongside key pitchers like Yu Darvish and Michael King. The Padres also bolstered their roster by acquiring Mason Miller and J.P. Sears from the Athletics, enhancing an already strong bullpen that includes 2025 All-Star closer Robert Suarez. Manager Mike Shildt has yet to define the bullpen hierarchy between Miller and Suarez, highlighting the team's deep pitching talent as a strategic advantage. Overall, the Padres' front office prioritized pitching depth over potential trade returns, aiming for a strong playoff push in 2025.