Report: Cease generating interest from playoff contenders
The market for Dylan Cease is taking shape with the July 31 trade deadline approaching fast.
The Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, and New York Mets have contacted the San Diego Padres about the talented right-hander, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
The Red Sox already rejected a proposed deal by the Padres that would've seen Cease, catching prospect Ethan Salas, and another minor leaguer head to Boston in exchange for outfielder Jarren Duran, reports Sean McAdam of MassLive.
San Diego is reportedly still trying to pry Duran away from the Red Sox after first inquiring about the 28-year-old before his 2024 All-Star season.
The Padres occupy the NL's last wild-card spot. However, the club is reportedly listening to offers for Cease because he's slated to hit free agency this offseason. The 29-year-old is expected to be one of the top pitchers available during the winter.
San Diego could use a Cease trade to bolster other areas of need for a playoff push, especially considering injured ace Michael King is trending to return around mid-August.
Cease, who finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting last year, owns a 4.59 ERA with 3.58 FIP and 144 strikeouts over 113 2/3 innings (21 starts) this season. He's on pace to surpass the 200-strikeout plateau for a fifth straight campaign.
Cease's best year came in 2022, finishing as the AL Cy Young runner-up while with the Chicago White Sox.