Are the San Diego Padres aiming for a championship or just regretting missed trade opportunities?
They’re sticking with Dylan Cease and Michael King despite strong trade offers from leading teams. With hefty contracts involved and some uncertainty in ownership, every decision is getting a lot of attention.
Will this bold strategy lead them to the playoffs, or are they gambling too much on what’s ahead?
San Diego Padres Shut Down Trade Talks for Dylan Cease
Reports suggest that the New York Mets are seriously interested in trading for Cease and could put together a tempting offer that includes promising talents like infielder Luisangel Acuña and right-handed pitchers Brandon Sproat, Nolan McLean, and Jonah Tong, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post.
Still, Padres general manager A.J. Preller is determined to hold onto his key players, showing he’s committed to staying in the game, according to The Athletic.
READ MORE: San Diego Padres Agree to Deal With Infielder Looking To Make $3,000,000 if He Lands on Roster
Both Cease is entering the final year of his contract, with free agency coming up after the 2025 season. This year, Cease will receive $13.75 million in pay. King on the other hand signed a one-year, $7.75 million contract with the Padres to avoid arbitration. The contract also includes a mutual option for 2026 worth $15 million, with a $3.75 million buyout.
Fans think that the reason the Padres might trade them is to get younger and cheaper players, but on the other hand, Preller is committed to investing in the team, and his recent signing of Nick Pivetta for $55 million is proof that he is looking to win a championship in the short term.
The situation with the Padres’ ownership also makes trades complicated. The organization is currently under surveillance, with legal complications leaving control in the hands of John Seidler, the brother of Peter, who is temporarily overseeing operations.
Regardless, how Preller potentially retools the roster in the final weeks of Spring Training could impact the championship aspirations of the Padres for years to come.