ESPN REPORT: Padres-Orioles trade idea targets top-100 prospect pair in Dylan Cease blockbuster
The San Diego Padres may consider leveraging their top talent this offseason to replenish their farm system, with starting pitcher Dylan Cease emerging as a potential trade chip. Cease, who garnered Cy Young and MVP votes for his stellar 2024 campaign, could command a significant return, particularly from a team like the Baltimore Orioles, whose farm system ranks among the deepest in baseball.
Why Target the Orioles?
The Orioles’ minor league system boasts an impressive array of talent, including multiple prospects in MLB’s Top 100. PJ Potter of Friars On Base argues that any Cease trade with Baltimore must include one or more of these elite prospects, particularly versatile infielders like Coby Mayo or Samuel Basallo.
- Coby Mayo: A power-hitting first baseman/third baseman who slashed .287/.364/.562 in Triple-A before a brief stint in the majors.
- Samuel Basallo: A catcher with a .289/.355/.465 slash line in Double-A, offering strong offensive and defensive tools.
Both prospects are under 24 years old and could become cornerstone pieces for the Padres, helping address the farm system depletion caused by past win-now trades.
Orioles’ Potential Package
In addition to Mayo or Basallo, Baltimore could include other highly-touted prospects to sweeten the deal. With the Padres potentially reducing payroll and looking for long-term assets, a trade with Baltimore could be mutually beneficial.
The Padres’ Strategy
Trading Cease would be a significant move, but it aligns with a pragmatic approach to avoid losing key players to free agency without compensation. By securing multiple high-upside prospects, San Diego could balance its short-term competitiveness with long-term sustainability.
If the Padres opt to explore this route, they’ll likely demand a package reflecting Cease’s value as one of the league’s premier pitchers. Partnering with a talent-rich organization like the Orioles could set the stage for both teams to address their immediate and future needs.