MLB Trade Rumors: World Series Contender Linked To Padres' Dylan Cease

February 18, 2025 ,

The Atlanta Braves have been consistently linked to San Diego Padres right-hander Dylan Cease as they look to solidify their rotation ahead of the 2025 season. 

Cease, a Georgia native, has long been a target for Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos, who previously attempted to acquire him before the Chicago White Sox dealt him to San Diego. 

With Max Fried and Charlie Morton departing in free agency and Spencer Strider recovering from elbow surgery, the Braves’ need for a frontline starter has only grown. 

The recent signing of Nick Pivetta by the Padres makes a Cease extension unlikely, increasing the chances of a trade. 

According to Pat Ragazzo, both the Braves and New York Mets have spoken to San Diego about Cease and teammate Michael King, but the Padres’ asking price remains steep.

Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer proposed a package of top catching prospect Drake Baldwin and right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver, though some believe that is too steep for a one-year rental. 

Another potential deal involves Smith-Shawver, pitching prospect Drue Hackenberg, and lefty Hayden Harris, a package that could be more reasonable given Cease’s limited team control. 

The Padres reportedly asked the Chicago Cubs for top prospect Matt Shaw, setting a high bar for Atlanta. “This proposal would be a heavy price to pay,” Rymer wrote, “but Cease need not be a one-year fix. This is a franchise that loves its extensions.” 

While Braves leadership has been reluctant to overpay, their history of trading for and extending pitchers leaves the door open for a long-term deal.

Cease, who finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting last season with a 3.47 ERA and 224 strikeouts in 189.1 innings, would provide a significant boost to the Braves’ rotation, giving them a dominant pairing with Chris Sale. 

His durability—at least 177 innings pitched in each of the last three seasons—makes him a strong candidate to anchor Atlanta’s staff even beyond 2025. 

If the Braves can find a deal that doesn’t sacrifice too much future talent, they could finally land the pitcher they have pursued for over a year.

Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Go To: NFL Rumors | NBA Rumors | NHL Rumors