As Opening Day approaches, Dylan Cease is becoming a hot topic in trade discussions. The New York Yankees are searching for someone to fill Gerrit Cole’s shoes, the New York Mets are looking to strengthen their rotation, and the Chicago Cubs hope to bring back their former prospect.
But the San Diego Padres aren’t in a hurry to make any moves. So, Will Cease stick around in San Diego, or is a big trade on the horizon?
Trade Rumors Are Heating Up With Nearly Nine Teams in the Mix
MLB insider Jon Heyman reports that Cease has drawn interest from nearly nine teams, including the Cubs, the Mets and all five teams in the American League East.
A new-look Dylan Cease on trade rumors "I'd love to stay here." pic.twitter.com/ajXqoaTkqm
— Marty Caswell (@MartyCaswell) February 1, 2025
He estimates there is a “50-50” chance Cease is traded. Talks are underway, but nothing is finalized.
With Cole out for the season with Tommy John surgery, the Yankees are looking to round out their pitching staff.
I think he would be great as a Yankee joining the Mustache review.
— Greg James 🇺🇸 🇮🇹 🤌Yankees 4 Life (@Moosh0611) February 12, 2024
The Cubs are reportedly trying to bring Cease back from the Padres to boost their rotation. Cease began his career as a Cubs prospect before being traded to the White Sox and then to San Diego.
The Mets are also interested in adding Cease to their starting rotation. Cease, who finished last season with a 14-11 record and a 3.47 ERA in 33 starts, could be the frontline starter they need.
Incoming Dylan Cease to the Mets!!! I’m calling it bro. I’m throwing all my chips in for this trade to happen.
— 🇺🇸Jay🇩🇴 (@jurena1722) March 15, 2025
MLB Analyst Says Padres Will Not Trade Cease
MLB insider Jon Morosi shared his insights, saying, “The Padres are always active, so I would hesitate to rule out anything A.J. Preller could do. However, the expectation in the industry over the last 24 hours is that Dylan Cease is not going to be traded to the Yankees to save their rotation in light of the Gerrit Cole injury.”
He added, “Notably, Dylan Cease is pitching today at 4 p.m. Eastern time. I’m sure there will be plenty of scouts watching him, as they have with Michael King in recent days and San Canterra as well. The issue with a potential Cease-Yankees pairing is twofold. Number one, I’ve been told that the Yankees are somewhat reluctant to add payroll right now.”
The Padres’ front office has also weighed in. Preller, the team’s president of baseball operations, responded to trade speculation by pointing out Cease’s value to the squad.
“We’ve gotten guys that we like. There’s been other times where we’ve traded really good prospects or acquired superstar players, but we’re not going to make a move just to make a move. I think the industry respects that, understands that, and that’s how the offseason played out.”
The Padres acquired Cease from the White Sox on March 13, 2024.
To complete the trade, the Padres sent reliever Steven Wilson and three prospects — right-handers Drew Thorpe and Jairo Iriarte, along with outfielder Samuel Zavala — to Chicago. Cease is under contract through the 2025 season and is slated to make $8 million in 2024.