Red Sox, Mets Explore Trade for Padres' Dylan Cease

The San Diego Padres are facing pressure to reduce payroll in 2025, leading to speculation about trading starting pitcher Dylan Cease, who has garnered interest from teams like the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets. The Red Sox have engaged in preliminary discussions regarding a potential trade, while the Mets are considering a deal that would likely involve top prospects such as Luisangel Acuña. Despite the trade rumors, the Padres recently fortified their rotation by signing pitchers Nick Pivetta and Kyle Hart, indicating a possible shift towards retaining Cease for the beginning of the season. However, if the Padres find themselves out of playoff contention mid-season, Cease could still be traded as a valuable rental. Cease has been a standout player, previously earning All-Star honors and finishing high in Cy Young voting, making him a sought-after asset in the trade market. The ongoing discussions reflect the complexities teams face in balancing immediate competitive needs with long-term financial strategies.