The New York Yankees continue their quest for pitching reinforcements with San Diego Padres star Dylan Cease remaining firmly in their sights. Despite earlier reports suggesting Cease would start the season with the Padres, fresh information indicates San Diego hasn’t completely shut down trade discussions—provided any deal substantially improves their roster in key areas.
Even the 29-year-old ace sounded out when asked about staying with the Padres, “It’s baseball, anything can happen.”
Padres listening to offers for Cease
According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, multiple teams have reached out regarding both Cease and fellow rotation member Michael King, though King appears unavailable. The ace pitcher, however, remains potentially attainable under specific circumstances.
“But sources familiar with their internal deliberations say it would happen only if it makes the Padres significantly better in at least one of the three spots at which they appear to have deficiencies offensively,” Acee wrote, identifying designated hitter, catcher, and left field as positions of need.
The Padres see Cease as a potential arm they will be unable to keep next year. After a $13.7 million arbitration deal this year, he may be back next year without a qualifying offer. The market dynamics suggest a $200-million range bid for the pitcher and cost-cutting San Diego is unable to take part in that.
“The Padres are in cost-cutting mode and may be looking to move Cease and his $13.75 million salary as he heads into his walk year,” Perry wrote.
This creates a potential opening for the Yankees, who possess outfield depth and offensive talent that might appeal to the Padres’ front office.
Yankees’ rotation concerns drive renewed Cease interest
Fresh off an American League pennant-winning campaign, the Yankees have been forced to reevaluate their starting rotation following Gerrit Cole’s season-ending Tommy John surgery. Their interest in Cease predates their acquisition of Max Fried, but with Opening Day drawing closer, their need has intensified.
CBS Sports’ Dayn Perry suggests the Yankees remain a significant contender in the Cease sweepstakes, particularly given San Diego’s financial situation.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post believes the Yankees have already informed the Padres of their interest in Cease. However, the Yankees face competition, as the Padres have received calls about the trade from multiple teams, including Mets, Cubs, Orioles, and Twins.
Potential trade package requirements
Securing Cease’s services won’t come cheaply. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that nine organizations have contacted the Padres, including the Cubs, Mets, and all five AL East teams. With multiple interested parties, the acquisition cost could be substantial.
Cease’s credentials speak for themselves—a 3.47 ERA across 189.1 innings last season with 224 strikeouts, marking his fourth consecutive season exceeding 200 strikeouts. These numbers give San Diego considerable leverage in negotiations, especially with Cease under team control through 2025.
Any Yankees offer would likely need to include at least a designated hitter, catcher, or left field with multiple years of team control, plus a top-tier prospect.
With competing bids expected, the Padres might demand additional value, possibly including position player prospects or MLB-ready offensive talent.
Luxury tax implications
Beyond prospect capital, financial considerations present another hurdle. FanGraphs currently projects the Yankees’ luxury tax payroll for 2025 at $305.1 million, already beyond the $301 million threshold. Adding Cease’s $13.75 million salary would trigger additional dollar-for-dollar penalties, effectively doubling the financial impact to approximately $28 million.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has expressed caution about further tax penalties. “We’ve obviously got big commitments already,” Cashman told MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. “The inventory that is going to be available is going to be limited, and then there’s costs associated with those acquisitions.”
Trade feasibility assessment
Bleacher Report’s Jack Murray considers a Cease acquisition realistic, particularly given the Yankees‘ pressing need for rotation stability.
“This would be the big splash. Cease is the top arm on the trade market and is set to hit free agency following the 2025 season,” Murray wrote. “He pitched 189.1 innings in 2024 and earned a 14-11 record with a 3.47 ERA.”
Nevertheless, San Diego hasn’t definitively committed to trading Cease, and the window for completing a deal before Opening Day continues to narrow. The Yankees could potentially structure an offer addressing the Padres’ offensive deficiencies, particularly in the outfield or behind the plate, to make a transaction more appealing.
Will Yankees make the move?
The Yankees remain among the most motivated suitors for Cease, but finalizing a deal hinges on their willingness to meet San Diego’s substantial asking price. While the Padres appear content to keep Cease, for now, they’re clearly open to the right proposal.
Should Cashman decide to proceed, Cease would immediately strengthen the Yankees’ rotation, creating a formidable starting group alongside Max Fried, Marcus Stroman, and Carlos Rodon. However, if acquisition costs prove prohibitive, the Yankees might postpone pursuit until the trade deadline—when market dynamics could shift Cease’s value in either direction.
For now, the Yankees continue exploring possibilities, though whether they’ll finalize a deal before Opening Day remains uncertain.
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