Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown is looking to improve the starting rotation, specifically adding a number three starter behind Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez.
A new report from Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic has the Astros and Brown identifying San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dylan Cease as the team’s new primary trade deadline target.
“Houston Astros owner Jim Crane fancies star power.” Rosenthal and Rome write. “San Diego Padres right-hander Dylan Cease is one of the biggest stars available on the trade market. Perhaps it should come as no surprise, then, that Cease is at the top of the Astros’ wish list as the trade deadline nears, according to sources briefed on the team’s discussions.”
This report from Rosenthal and Rome is very interesting for the Astros. If the team is looking to land a number three starter behind Valdez and Brown, Cease would certainly be an interesting option.
He has a strong history, but this season, he has struggled. He has a 4.79 ERA this season, but is fourth in the MLB in strikeouts with 153. Back in 2022, Cease was the AL Cy Young runner-up and had a 2.20 ERA and 227 strikeouts in his best season as a pro.
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But, in the years since then, he’s managed a 4.58 ERA in 2023, a 3.47 ERA in 2024, and now a 4.79 ERA through 22 starts in 2025. The 29-year-old would be a risky addition for the Astros to make, but at the same time, it would be a deadline splash.
If Houston is looking to improve the rotation, amid their slew of injuries, then trading for Cease would make some sense. The Padres are looking for a lot in return for Cease, as the team is looking to remain competitive this season.
To swing a deal for the San Diego starter, the Astros might have to get creative. San Diego needs outfielder and catcher help, and while the Astros are unlikely to move either Victor Caratini or Yanier Diaz, it’s at least something worth monitoring.
This report from Rosenthal and Rome is very noteworthy. The Astros’ interest in Cease is a sign that the team is willing to buy into this roster, and also that they’re going after the starting pitchers available on the market.
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