The San Diego Padres are very serious about trading Dylan Cease before today’s trade deadline because they are apparently in pursuit of making a trade for his replacement.
The have been rumors since last year about the Pads moving the 2022 Cy Young runner-up. However, with him having a down season and likely to leave in free agency this winter, rumblings about the club trading him this week have picked up in recent days.
Heading into Thursday’s trade deadline, new MLB trade rumors have pointed to the Houston Astros having him at the top of their trade wish list. What makes the Cease trade speculation fascinating is that San Diego is in the thick of the Wild Card race and just three games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. Although he isn’t having a good season, Cease’s departure won’t make the team better for the rest of the season.
Well, it seems the Padres want to move Cease while also staying competitive in the Wild Card and NL West race. And they had a specific player in mind to replace him before the 6 PM ET MLB trade deadline.
“Baltimore Orioles right-hander Charlie Morton is one starting pitcher the San Diego Padres are pursuing as a potential backup plan if they trade right-hander Dylan Cease, according to sources briefed on the discussions.”
The Athletic
Dylan Cease stats: 3-10 Record, 4.79 ERA, 1.335 WHIP, 153 SO, 57 BB
However, the outlet also added an important nugget of information to caution fans about a potential deal for the two-time All-Star.
“The Padres are involved in multiple talks with multiple teams. Meanwhile, as many as 10 teams are pursuing Morton,” they wrote.
The 41-year-old is having a down year in what could be his final campaign in the league. However, he is a very competent starting pitcher who has a lot of experience in playoff runs. Furthermore, he has a 3.60 ERA for his career in the postseason.
Even more momentum was added to a Cease trade on Thursday when it was revealed the team had completed a rumor trade for stud Athletics closer Mason Millar and starting pitcher JP Sears. The deal strengthens an already good bullpen and gives them a solid depth addition if they can move Cease before this afternoon’s deadline.
