Report: New Team Pursuing Trade For Padres' Dylan Cease

January 31, 2025 ,

The Chicago Cubs have emerged as a serious contender to acquire right-hander Dylan Cease from the San Diego Padres, according to multiple reports, including MLB Network’s Jon Morosi. 

Cease, 29, is entering the final year of his contract and is expected to command a huge deal in free agency next winter, making him a prime trade candidate for a Padres team looking to shed payroll. 

Morosi described the Cubs as “one team to watch” in Cease’s market, as they push to solidify their rotation and contend for the National League Central title. 

With the recent acquisition of superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker, Chicago appears to be in full win-now mode, making Cease a logical target.

Trade talks between the Cubs and Padres have taken place, but San Diego’s asking price remains high. The Padres are reportedly seeking a package similar to the Corbin Burnes trade last offseason, which netted Milwaukee two MLB-ready prospects and a competitive balance draft pick. 

Chicago has the depth to meet those demands, with top outfield prospects Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcántara frequently mentioned as possible trade chips. 

However, the Padres have also asked for third-base prospect Matt Shaw, ranked No. 19 in baseball, which could be a sticking point. 

“Cease is the more likely one to move,” Morosi said, adding that the Cubs’ deep farm system makes them a strong trade partner, though they are reluctant to part with multiple high-end pieces for a potential one-year rental.

If a deal materializes, it would mark a return to Chicago for Cease, who was originally drafted by the Cubs before being sent to the White Sox in the 2017 Jose Quintana trade. 

His addition would bolster an already solid rotation featuring Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, and Jameson Taillon, giving the Cubs a formidable pitching staff for a deep postseason run. 

Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

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