The San Diego Padres entered the offseason seeking to shed payroll, with constant MLB rumors about multiple All-Star pitchers and hitters on the trade block. Starting pitcher Dylan Cease drew the most interest and remains the most coveted arm right now.
Entering spring training, the Padres payroll sits at $207 million which is the 10th-highest in baseball. However, per FanGraphs, San Diego sits sixth in projected luxury tax payroll ($259 million). Led by an ownership group that has significant concerns regarding the amount of money being put into the roster, payroll shedding could be looming before Opening Day.
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- Dylan Cease stats (ESPN): 3.47 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 224 strikeouts, .200 batting average allowed, .601 OPS allowed in 189.1 innings pitched
However, after a quiet offseason, San Diego has kept itself busy within the last week. The club first signed starting pitcher Nick Pivetta to a four-year contract worth $55 million to fortify its rotation. Hours later, the team added Kyle Hart after he won the KBO’s version of the Cy Young award.
Adding multiple starting pitchers has added fuel to MLB rumors about Cease being traded. However, it appears the additions might’ve had the opposite effect on the club’s plans.
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According to The Athletic‘s Dennis Lin, the Padres are now “inclined” to keep Cease atop their rotation heading into the season. With the starting rotation fortified and depth also added to it, the All-Star pitcher now seems likely to begin the 2025 season with San Diego.
“[Cease is] a very big part of our club. The additions the last couple days supplement what’s a really good rotation. That’s our focus here going forward — having that strong rotation.”
San Diego Padres GM A.J. Preller on Dylan Cease trade rumors after the Nick Pivetta signing (H/T MLB.com)
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- Dylan Cease contract (Spotrac): $13.75 million salary in 2025, MLB free agent next winter
It doesn’t necessarily mean that Cease will end the season with San Diego. MLB projections for the Padres in 2025 are mixed and if the club isn’t in playoff contention by the end of July, Cease could be traded as a half-season rental with the club hoping to recoup prospects to restock its farm system.
While Cease is staying in a Padres’ uniform for the time being, the same might not be true for All-Star relief pitcher Robert Suarez. Carrying a $10 million salary this season with a player option for 2026, Suarez is reportedly still available. Trading him would both help reduce the Padres payroll and net San Diego a quality return of prospects in exchange for a full season of an All-Star closer.
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