The San Diego Padres have made a significant move to strengthen their pitching rotation while continuing to explore potential roster changes this offseason, including the possibility of trading some key players.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer speculated that the Padres might consider dealing their ace, Dylan Cease, to the Baltimore Orioles. In this proposed trade, the Padres would receive outfielders Heston Kjerstad and Enrique Bradfield Jr., the Orioles’ No. 5 prospect.
“According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the O’s were interested in Cease even before Corbin Burnes left for the Diamondbacks,” Rymer noted. “With Burnes officially gone, Baltimore’s need for a frontline starter is even more pressing.”
Cease, who is under contract until the end of the 2025 season, would provide a strong upgrade for the Orioles. “While Burnes has shown a decline in generating swings and misses, Cease ranked in the 92nd percentile for whiff rate this year,” Rymer added.
Although the Padres need starting pitching, trading Cease remains a possibility as they aim to lower their payroll. San Diego’s projected 2025 payroll is about $40 million higher than it was last season. However, they may wait for Japanese free agent Roki Sasaki, their top target, to make his decision. Sasaki is not expected to sign with any team before January 15.
Cease had an impressive season, finishing with a 14-11 record, a 3.47 ERA, a 1.067 WHIP, 224 strikeouts, and a 4.2 WAR in 33 starts. The 28-year-old right-hander also boasts a career record of 48-35 with a 3.52 ERA, 1.207 WHIP, and 891 strikeouts since 2021. Despite his performance, the Padres are not confident they can retain him beyond 2025, making a trade a realistic consideration.
Padres general manager A.J. Preller, known for his unpredictable strategies, could still surprise the league with his next move. Meanwhile, Jon Morosi of MLB Network continues to highlight Baltimore as a potential destination for Cease.
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