The San Diego Padres are looking to buy players at the deadline, but they are also listening to offers on a few of their veterans on expiring deals. Their top option in such a trade is starting pitcher Dylan Cease.
According to a report from Buster Olney of ESPN, the Padres’ asking price for Cease is very high. While teams are interested in the starter, the Padres aren’t willing to part ways, barring a strong return at the deadline.
“There are a number of contenders looking for a frontline starting pitcher — Mets, Cubs, Red Sox, etc. — but the prices on two of the most prominent starters mentioned,” Olney reports, “the Twins’ Joe Ryan and the Padres’ Dylan Cease, remain extremely high, in the minds of some evaluators.
There are a number of contenders looking for a frontline starting pitcher — Mets, Cubs, Red Sox, etc. — but the prices on two of the most prominent starters mentioned, the Twins’ Joe Ryan and the Padres’ Dylan Cease, remain extremely high, in the minds of some evaluators.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 29, 2025
While the cost for both will be high, Ryan, who is under team control beyond 2025, will be even more than Cease. But, having Cease in the same breath as Ryan indicates that A.J. Preller isn’t willing to accept a low offer for the starting pitcher.
The Padres are contending this season, and moving on from Cease at the deadline would only be done if they could net a solid return, which would help this season for the Padres.
Cease has struggled a bit this season, which could lower his cost. He has a 4.779 ERA and a 3-10 record this season in 22 starts for the Padres. Cease is still striking out a lot of batters, notching 153 this season, fourth most in baseball.
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But, he’s struggling to contain the long ball, as he’s given up 17 home runs this season. Even with his struggles, teams would be interested in the premier starter.
He had a 3.47 ERA in 2024, and in 2022, was remarkable with a 2.20 ERA and was the Cy Young runner-up in the American League. While three years removed from such a season, Cease still can be an elite starter, and that’s worth trading for at the deadline.
But, even if a team is interested, the Padres are looking for an “extremely high” return for Cease. They may find a taker or lower their demands, but with this update, it seems like Cease is trending towards remaining in San Diego this season.
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