Report: Padres "Far More Likely" To Trade Dylan Cease Instead Of This Pitcher

February 12, 2025

The San Diego Padres are more likely to trade right-hander Dylan Cease than Michael King, according to multiple reports. 

ESPN’s Jeff Passan states that King is "far less likely to be dealt" as the Padres assess their rotation needs, while Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports that King is "essentially off the trade block." 

Both pitchers are set to reach free agency after the 2025 season, but King’s strong 2024 campaign—posting a 2.95 ERA over 173.2 innings—makes him a huge part of the Padres' rotation moving forward. 

Cease, who signed a one-year, $13.75 million deal to avoid arbitration, remains a trade candidate as the Padres explore ways to trim payroll. 

The Baltimore Orioles and Minnesota Twins have shown interest, according to MASNsports.com and The Athletic, and if San Diego signs free-agent starter Nick Pivetta, moving Cease could provide financial flexibility. 

The Padres are also listening to offers for closer Robert Suárez, who is owed $10 million in 2025, with Jason Adam viewed as a potential replacement. 

GM A.J. Preller is looking to reshape the roster, and while no major trades have been finalized, Cease remains one of the most likely players to be moved.

San Diego has already made offseason adjustments, adding outfielders Connor Joe and Jason Heyward to replace Jurickson Profar. 

However, the team missed out on Roki Sasaki and continues to navigate legal issues surrounding ownership. With pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training this week, the Padres still have some big decisions to make, but King appears set to stay while Cease and Suárez could be on the move.

Photo Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

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