BREAKING: Mets to Trade $13 Million Ace to New York Yankees In Swap
Much of the New York Mets’ offseason focus has been on acquiring outfielder Juan Soto, but president of baseball operations David Stearns has also been working to revamp the starting rotation. Could this include a blockbuster deal for San Diego Padres ace Dylan Cease? The Mets reached the NLCS in 2024, powered by a strong second-half effort from their starting pitchers. Key contributors Luis Severino, Jose Quintana, and Sean Manaea all became free agents at season’s end. While Severino has signed with the Athletics, a reunion with Manaea remains a possibility. Stearns has also added Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes on multi-year contracts. New York has been linked to several pitchers in trade rumors, including Seattle Mariners ace Luis Castillo. But what would it take for Stearns to land Cease from San Diego? FanSided’s Josue De Jesus suggested a potential trade:
- Mets receive: right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease
- Padres receive: infielder Luisangel Acuña, outfielder Ryan Clifford, and right-handed pitcher Blade Tidwell
De Jesus noted that such a deal would give the Padres a package similar to what they gave up when acquiring Cease last offseason, while the Mets would secure the long-awaited ace they need for their rotation. However, De Jesus cautioned that the Mets will need to carefully balance their current window of contention with their long-term plans for the team.
Cease is projected to earn $13 million in 2025, the final year before he reaches free agency. Spotrac estimates his market value for a long-term deal at five years and $108 million. If this trade were to happen, the Mets would be parting with three top-15 ranked prospects, according to MLB.com.