Phillies May Show Interest in Padres Ace, But Not When Expected

Phillies Could Look to Build a Super Rotation with Dylan Cease

The Philadelphia Phillies already boast one of the most formidable starting rotations in Major League Baseball, but they may not be done adding firepower.

Led by perennial National League Cy Young candidate Zack Wheeler, veteran Aaron Nola, rising ace Cristopher Sánchez, and steady southpaw Ranger Suárez, the group got even stronger this offseason when President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski acquired hard-throwing lefty Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins.

Yet, Dombrowski might not be done. The Phillies are reportedly among the teams scouting San Diego Padres right-hander Dylan Cease, per Mets On SI, joining a competitive market that includes the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and several others.

Cease, 28, has been one of the most electric arms in baseball over the past few seasons, finishing second in AL Cy Young voting in 2022. Adding him to an already stacked Phillies rotation would harken back to the “Four Aces” era of 2011, when Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, and Roy Oswalt led one of the most dominant pitching staffs in modern MLB history.

The Potential Cost of a Cease Deal

As it stands, the Padres are reluctant to part with Cease, believing they can contend for a playoff spot in 2025. However, if their season trends downward by the trade deadline, that stance could soften.

Philadelphia has the prospect capital to put forth a compelling offer. The Phillies boast two of MLB Pipeline‘s top-ranked prospects in right-handed pitcher Andrew Painter (No. 8 overall) and infielder Aidan Miller (No. 27). While parting with either would be a significant gamble, Cease is precisely the type of player who could transform this team’s World Series outlook the moment he steps onto the mound.

Dombrowski has never shied away from making aggressive, win-now moves. He understands that the Phillies’ championship window—centered around Wheeler, Nola, Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber—isn’t going to stay open forever. If the opportunity arises, expect Philadelphia to make a serious push for Cease to help secure their first World Series title since 2008.

For now, the Phillies will continue to evaluate their options, but if Cease becomes available, don’t be surprised if Philadelphia makes a big swing to load up for October.