As MLB Opening Day 2025 approaches, Dylan Cease is in the middle of trade talks. Set to hit free agency after this season, Cease is one of the top pitchers in baseball and a prime target for teams looking to add to their rotations.
For the San Diego Padres, trading Cease before the deadline would be smart, especially since his projected 5 year, $108 million contract is out of their budget. One team that fits perfectly? The New York Yankees.
The Yankees’ Rotation Desperation
The Yankees had a terrible 2024 and need to get back on track. With Gerrit Cole out for all of 2025 due to Tommy John surgery and Luis Gil with a lat strain, their rotation is in big trouble. They added Max Fried but one arm won’t be enough to get through the long MLB season.
Enter Dylan Cease. The righty had a great 2024, 14-11, 3.47 ERA, 224 K’s, 65 walks. Cease can dominate and be consistent, perfect for the Yankees’ championship aspirations.
Adding Cease not only helps their rotation for 2025 but also gives the Yankees the chance to extend him beyond this season, lock up a piece of their rotation for years to come.
Why the Padres need to trade Cease?
Holding onto Cease is a risk for the Padres. With him a free agent and likely to get a big long term deal he’s a rental at the end of the season. Reports are A.J. Preller is already listening to offers, so it’s more than likely he’s already listening to offers. So a trade is more than possible, it’s likely.
By trading Cease now the Padres can cash in on his value and get high upside prospects to rebuild their farm system. In today’s MLB where young talent is king the Padres can set themselves up for future success by making a big move.
Proposed Trade: Yankees Get Dylan Cease
Here’s what the trade looks like:
- New York Yankees Get: Dylan Cease
- San Diego Padres Get: Spencer Jones, George Lombard Jr.
What the Yankees Are Giving Up?
- Spencer Jones: A highly touted outfield prospect with a ton of power potential but inconsistent development. A gamble for the Padres but with high ceiling.
- George Lombard Jr.: A utility infielder with speed and defensive upside. Still raw but adds depth to the Padres farm.
This gives the Padres two young players who could be impact major leaguers down the line.
How This Helps Both Teams?
For the Yankees
- Get a legitimate ace in the rotation.
- Address their biggest weakness (pitching) and be a 2025 playoff team.
- Have leverage to extend Cease long term and prevent him from hitting free agency.
For the Padres
- Get prospects to build around.
- Don’t lose Cease for nothing in free agency.
- Create payroll flexibility to make other moves during the season or next offseason.
Will the Yankees Do It?
The Yankees have a history of making big moves to stay relevant and acquiring Cease fits into that. They’ve shown they’ll trade top prospects for impact players (e.g. the Juan Soto trade in 2022). With their rotation in shambles and fans demanding answers, trading for Cease could be the spark they need to get back into the championship conversation.
As for the Padres, moving Cease now means they don’t get nothing. It’s a win-win if both teams can agree.
Leave a Reply