The Toronto Blue Jays have joined a growing list of contenders checking in on the San Diego Padres starter Dylan Cease, according to reporting from ESPN’s Buster Olney and The New York Post’s Jon Heyman. With the trade deadline looming, Cease has emerged as a “surprise name” on the market—and one that could command a hefty return.
While the focus is on what the Blue Jays gain—a power-armed rental starter—the real question is: What do the Padres get?
San Diego currently holds a Wild Card spot. Trading one of their top healthy starters during a postseason push seems odd—unless this is about more than 2025.
Why the Blue Jays Want Cease
Toronto’s interest in Cease is logical. Their rotation, though experienced, lacks a true ace since Gausman’s dip and Manoah’s absence. Cease, with a 97 mph fastball, near-30% strikeout rate, and playoff resume, could be a Game 1 weapon. Despite a 4.59 ERA, his metrics and 2022 track record (2.20 ERA) make him likely the top rental starter available.
He’s also more gettable than other arms like Freddy Peralta or Zac Gallen, and more proven than risks like Mitch Keller or Edward Cabrera—both on Toronto’s radar. Cease would join Gausman, Scherzer, Bassitt, and Berríos, forming a postseason-ready rotation with experience.
With a tight AL East Division race and the offense improving, this move signals Toronto’s front office still believes in the roster, even after a rocky first half.
What the Padres Could Gain From a Cease Deal
The Padres’ logic for trading Cease, despite holding a Wild Card spot, centers on asset management. Cease is a free agent after this season and is set to earn $13.75 million. If they keep him and he departs, San Diego would only get a fourth-round compensatory pick due to their luxury tax status. By trading him now, the Padres could secure multiple controllable players or prospects, especially if a contender overbids for a frontline arm. The deal allows San Diego to strengthen its roster for both the remainder of this season and future years, rather than risk losing Cease for a minimal return.
Importantly, the Padres are not embarking on a full-scale teardown. Instead, A.J. Preller appears to be reshaping the roster for immediate competitiveness.
Reports indicate that San Diego is actively seeking a replacement for Cease in Sandy Alcantara, notably contacting the Marlins about the pitcher, who is under team control through 2027. This approach suggests the Padres aim to trade Cease for assets—such as prospects or major-league-ready talent—and then use those assets to acquire a pitcher who can anchor the rotation beyond 2025.
In essence, they would swap a short-term star for a longer-term solution, keeping their postseason hopes alive while planning for future seasons.
The Padres also need outfield help, especially in left. Here, a Blue Jays trade fits. Toronto has young, MLB-ready talent appealing to San Diego. Addison Barger could headline a deal, depending on San Diego’s goals.
It’s a classic Preller move: not just resetting, but repositioning the roster for now and the future.
Blue Jays Quietly Emerging as Major Players for Padres Starter