As the MLB trade deadline closed on July 31, 2025, San Diego Padres’ right-hander Dylan Cease found himself once again at the center of swirling rumors, only to remain firmly rooted in the Padres’ rotation. The 29-year-old pitcher, who has become something of a fixture in trade speculations since 2023, breathed a sigh of relief but wasn’t consumed by the drama. Instead, Cease maintained his usual routine, focusing on his work at Petco Park and embracing the excitement that comes with the uncertainty of trade season.
Cease’s journey with the Padres began just before the 2024 season, when president of baseball operations A.J. Preller orchestrated a trade to bring him in from the Chicago White Sox. That move was part of a broader strategy aimed at multiple postseason runs, a plan Preller reiterated in a candid conversation with Cease just before the deadline. “Just letting him know that from our standpoint, it’s this time of year, you hear a lot of speculation,” Preller said. “It’s the trade deadline. You’re always going to pick up your phone … (but) when we made the trade last spring training, it was designed toward multiple postseason runs. Our best team has Dylan Cease on it.”
Cease appreciated the reassurance, acknowledging the nature of the business. “I told him basically, ‘You don’t have to worry about me,’” Cease said. “I understand. It’s part of everything.” As the Padres gear up for a postseason push, Cease’s continued presence in the rotation is a significant boost. “I’m very excited,” he remarked. “We made a lot of — obviously — a lot of moves. We’ve got a stacked team now, so I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
Despite his value, Cease's impending free agency after the 2025 season has made him a hot commodity in trade discussions. Expected to command a nine-figure, multi-year contract on the open market, Cease’s name was among the most prominent in the rumor mill leading up to the deadline. Yet, the Padres opted to hold onto him, prioritizing their starting pitching core, which also includes Yu Darvish, Nick Pivetta, and the hopeful return of Michael King.
Preller explained the decision to retain Cease, emphasizing the importance of starting pitching in a postseason run. “You’re always going to pick up your phone when people are calling,” he told Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune. “But for us, our best team starts with that starting pitching. You know, getting Darvish back, hopefully getting King back, Pivetta and Cease, that’s a great place to start. We think we acquired some other pitchers that are going to add to that mix.”
While Cease has faced challenges this season, including struggles with walks and hard contact, his ability to generate swings and misses remains a key asset. When his command is on point, he can be a frontline starter, a valuable piece for any team eyeing October success.
Interestingly, the Houston Astros were among the teams reportedly interested in Cease, but ultimately passed on pursuing a trade. MLB insider Bob Nightengale revealed that the Astros reconsidered after the Padres raised their asking price. “They thought the asking price changed. It went from Spencer Arrighetti and three prospects, and the Astros said, ‘Wait a minute, Arrighetti is going to come back, and we like him better than Dylan Cease.’ It became a no-brainer to turn it down,” Nightengale explained.
The Astros’ decision was also influenced by their patience with injured pitchers Spencer Arrighetti, Cristian Javier, and J.P. France, who are all nearing returns from the injured list. This cautious approach meant they were less inclined to make a costly trade for Cease, who remains on a $13.75 million deal with the Padres through this season.
To accommodate new acquisitions made ahead of the deadline, the Padres made several roster moves. Infielder/outfielder Tyler Wade was designated for assignment, ending a stint where he hit .206/.309/.252 in his second year with the club. Right-hander Ron Marinaccio was optioned to Triple-A El Paso after striking out four batters over 2⅔ scoreless innings in his first stint with the Padres. Earlier moves included designating infielder Trenton Brooks and catcher Martín Maldonado for assignment, while infielder Will Wagner, acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays, was optioned to El Paso.
Meanwhile, Michael King, sidelined with a shoulder and nerve issue, is set to begin a rehab assignment on August 3, 2025, with Triple-A El Paso at Round Rock. King recently threw about 40 pitches and took the mound three times during a simulated game at Petco Park, signaling progress toward his return.
As the Padres prepare for the stretch run, their pitching staff is shaping up to be a formidable force. With Cease locked in, the hopeful return of King, and the presence of Darvish and Pivetta, San Diego’s rotation has the depth and talent necessary for a serious postseason bid. The front office’s moves and decisions, especially regarding Cease, underline a clear commitment to contending now rather than trading away key assets for future gains.
The story of Dylan Cease and the Padres at the 2025 trade deadline is a testament to the complexities of MLB roster management. Balancing the allure of high-value trades with the goal of maintaining a competitive team is never easy. For now, Cease remains a Padre, ready to take the mound and help the team chase October glory.
