The San Diego Padres’ offseason is heating up, and the latest buzz has left fans divided. Dylan Cease, one of the Padres’ most reliable starters, is reportedly drawing significant interest on the trade market, and insiders suggest he “could be on the move” before the 2025 season begins.
Cease, 29, is entering the final year of his contract and is due to make $13 million in 2025. After a stellar 2024 campaign where he posted a 3.47 ERA across a league-leading 33 starts and delivered 4.2 wins above replacement, Cease has cemented himself as one of the most durable and effective arms in the league. However, the Padres’ need to manage payroll could make parting ways with their ace a calculated risk.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Cease is among a group of high-profile pitchers potentially on the move this winter. The list also includes names like Jesus Luzardo, Jon Gray, and Chris Paddack, but Cease stands out due to his proven consistency and ability to eat innings at an elite level.
The Padres’ financial challenges are no secret. After a disappointing 2024 season where their star-studded roster failed to live up to expectations, San Diego is looking for ways to retool without overextending their budget. Trading Cease would free up $13 million in salary and potentially bring back valuable prospects or MLB-ready talent to balance the roster.
Fan reaction has been mixed. Many recognize the value Cease brings as an anchor for the rotation, especially with his ability to stay healthy and perform under pressure. Others, however, see the logic in moving him now while his trade value is high, given that he’ll become a free agent at the end of 2025.
For the Padres, the decision hinges on their vision for the upcoming season. If they believe they can contend in the competitive NL West, keeping Cease as part of their rotation might be crucial. But if they aim to reset and build for the future, trading him could pave the way for a younger and more sustainable core.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Padres’ general manager A.J. Preller to see whether he holds onto his ace or makes a bold move. One thing is certain: Dylan Cease’s status will be a defining storyline for Padres fans leading into Spring Training.
