Dylan Cease #84 of the San Diego Padres
Cubs Reportedly Exploring Trade for Padres’ Dylan Cease
The Chicago Cubs‘ starting rotation is already a strength, but that hasn’t stopped them from exploring ways to make it even better.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Cubs are among the teams that have inquired about San Diego Padres right-hander Dylan Cease, who is set to enter free agency after the season.
Chicago has been aggressive this offseason, signaling a clear win-now approach. They pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Houston Astros to acquire All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker and closer Ryan Pressly—both of whom will also hit free agency next winter. A move for Cease would follow that same strategy: going all in for 2025.
Cease has never been named an All-Star but has pitched at an elite level. Over the last four seasons, the 29-year-old has logged at least 160 innings each year while posting a 3.54 ERA, 11.2 K/9, and a 1.207 WHIP. His high-90s fastball, paired with a devastating slider, has made him one of the most dominant arms in baseball. In 2022, he finished second in AL Cy Young voting with a 2.20 ERA and a 180 ERA+.
While the Cubs’ rotation is in good shape, their interest in Cease is still intriguing. Javier Assad is dealing with an oblique strain, but Chicago has added depth with the signings of Matthew Boyd and Colin Rea. Those two may provide adequate coverage, but they aren’t the type of arms that would push the Cubs over the top in a competitive National League race.
The Cubs have also been linked to Lance Lynn, a much cheaper option who could provide veteran innings. However, Cease represents a potential game-changing addition.
The Padres seem in no rush to move Cease, so Chicago may wait to see how their season unfolds before making a major move. But given their aggressive approach this offseason, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them make another splash.
Adding Cease wouldn’t just help their rotation in the short term—it could also give them an inside track at signing him to a long-term deal. If the Cubs are serious about competing now and in the future, acquiring one of the game’s best arms might be the next big move.
