The San Diego Padres are reportedly considering trading some of their star players this offseason, particularly those with expiring contracts. The team’s roster, loaded with high-priced talent, is becoming a financial strain on the organization.
One key trade candidate is ace pitcher Dylan Cease, who is projected to command a $108 million contract in free agency, according to Spotrac, after his current deal expires at the end of the 2025 season.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer recently predicted that the Padres might trade Cease to the Baltimore Orioles this winter. Rymer proposed a deal where Cease would head to Baltimore in exchange for two promising prospects.
The suggested trade package includes:
- Baltimore Orioles receive: RHP Dylan Cease
- San Diego Padres receive: OF Heston Kjerstad, OF Enrique Bradfield Jr. (Baltimore’s No. 4 prospect)
Rymer noted that the Orioles had shown interest in Cease even before they lost Corbin Burnes to the Arizona Diamondbacks, as reported by Jon Morosi of MLB Network. With Burnes no longer an option, the Orioles have a clear need for a top-tier starter, making Cease an appealing target.
“While Burnes is the better pitcher overall, Cease offers greater appeal to Baltimore because he fits within their price range for a long-term deal,” Rymer explained. “Unlike Burnes, who likely would’ve been a one-year rental, Cease could be a long-term solution at the top of Baltimore’s rotation. His 92nd-percentile whiff rate this season makes him an upgrade for a team that still has surplus hitting talent in its farm system.”
This potential trade aligns better with Baltimore’s current needs and financial flexibility than their prior pursuit of Burnes, offering the Orioles a chance to secure an ace without risking another short-term rental scenario.
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