REPORT: Blue Jays To Land $108 Million Padres Dylan Cease Ace In Blockbuster Trade

The San Diego Padres are reportedly open to trade offers for their ace, Dylan Cease, who is entering the final year of his contract. With little confidence in their ability to re-sign him, the Padres may see a trade as the best option to avoid losing him in free agency. Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer proposed a trade scenario involving Cease and the Toronto Blue Jays.

In Rymer’s suggested deal:
Toronto Blue Jays receive: RHP Dylan Cease
San Diego Padres receive: RHP Yariel Rodríguez, LHP Ricky Tiedemann (No. 4 prospect)

“This isn’t based on concrete reports, but Toronto is clearly interested in adding a No. 1 starter,” Rymer wrote. “They showed their willingness by offering Corbin Burnes more money than they’ve ever given to a player. With Burnes out of reach, Cease should be their next target. This trade would lower the Padres’ luxury tax commitments, as Rodríguez’s $6.4 million AAV is significantly less than Cease’s projected $13.7 million.”

While moving from Cease to Rodríguez would represent a downgrade, Rymer notes that Rodríguez is still a reliable pitcher. The Padres could further offset the loss if they secure Rōki Sasaki. Additionally, Tiedemann would offer a high-upside prospect for San Diego’s future.

This trade proposal appears mutually beneficial. The Blue Jays would acquire a top-tier starter to bolster their rotation and potentially extend Cease beyond this season. Meanwhile, the Padres would gain value for Cease through Rodríguez and Tiedemann rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency.