The San Diego Padres are reportedly exploring the idea of trading away some of their stars this winter, specifically those on expiring contracts. San Diego has built a roster of very expensive players and it’s starting to come back to bite the organization.

One of the top trade candidates is ace Dylan Cease. Cease is projected to sign a $108 million deal in free agency, per Spotrac, after his contract expires at the end of next season.

Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer recently predicted the Padres to trade Cease to the Baltimore Orioles this winter. Rymer put together a trade package that would send Cease to Baltimore for two young prospects.

SAN DIEGO, CA – AUGUST 22: Dylan Cease #84 of the San Diego Padres pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, August 22, 2024 at Petco Park in…


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Here’s the deal pitched by Rymer which would send Cease to the Orioles to replace Burnes:

  • Baltimore Orioles receive: RHP Dylan Cease
  • San Diego Padres receive: OF Heston Kjerstad, OF Enrique Bradfield Jr. (No. 4 prospect)

“According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the O’s were in on Cease even before they lost Corbin Burnes to the D-backs,” Rymer wrote. “With his exit now official, the need for an ace atop Baltimore’s starting rotation is certainly that much more glaring. As Cease is ticketed for free agency after 2025, the Orioles would be running the same play they ran on Burnes if they were to trade for him.

“It could prove to be an upgrade. Whereas Burnes is declining as a whiff artist, Cease was in the 92nd percentile for whiff rate this year. Though Baltimore’s farm system is not what it used to be, the organization still has more hitters than it has room for. San Diego should want in on that group.”

Trading for Cease right now makes more sense for Baltimore than trading for Burnes a year ago.

While Burnes is the better pitcher of the two and both pitchers were on expiring contracts, Cease is actually in the Orioles’ price range to re-sign. Trading for Burnes was almost certainly going to be a one-year rental. Trading for Cease doesn’t have to be a rental for Baltimore.

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