A potential trade involving Dylan Cease would certainly add another high-profile arm to the Yankees’ rotation. Given that the Yankees have already made moves to strengthen their pitching staff this offseason, adding Cease would further solidify their position.
The proposed four-player blockbuster could involve a significant package heading to San Diego, though the details aren’t clear. Cease, an established ace with a dominant fastball and impressive strikeout numbers, would immediately make the Yankees’ rotation even more formidable, providing another top-tier arm alongside Gerrit Cole.
It would be interesting to see what the Yankees would need to part with to acquire Cease, especially with the Padres looking to shed salary and possibly rebuild in some areas. If this trade happens, it could make the Yankees even more competitive, especially in the AL East.
Yankees acquire:
Dylan Cease
Padres acquire:
Schmidt, Clarke
Pereira Everson
Vivas Jorbit
This proposed deal could definitely be a game-changer for both teams. For the Yankees, acquiring Cease for a pitcher like Schmidt and two prospects gives them a more proven arm with higher upside, particularly as Cease is in his walk year and could give them a boost for the 2025 season. Cease’s solid 2024 season with a 3.47 ERA and 14 wins shows he’s a reliable workhorse, and his strikeout ability would pair well with Gerrit Cole to form a dominant 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation.
On the other side, the Padres would get a young pitcher with significant club control in Schmidt, who’s shown promise with his 2.85 ERA in 16 starts for the Yankees last season. Schmidt could step into the Padres’ rotation and give them an affordable, long-term option for their pitching staff. The addition of two solid prospects like Pereira and Vivas gives them even more depth for the future, with Pereira already playing at the Triple-A level and Vivas having the potential to compete for a roster spot this spring.
This trade would fit both teams’ needs: the Yankees get a proven arm for the stretch run and potentially beyond, while the Padres gain both a capable starter and future assets. It’s an intriguing proposition, and it would be interesting to see how the rest of the offseason plays out in relation to this move.
Analyst Explains Yankees-Padres Deal
The trade proposal makes sense for both sides when considering Cease’s status as a rental and the Padres’ potential need to replenish their rotation while preparing for the future. Given Cease’s expected move to free agency, the Padres won’t likely get a massive return, so a deal that includes Schmidt, Pereira, and Vivas seems to be a reasonable ask. Schmidt, as a young pitcher with potential, could slot into San Diego’s rotation, giving them a capable option to replace Cease’s innings. Pereira and Vivas offer value as young position players with upside, which would help the Padres replenish their depth in the outfield and infield after losing Kim and Profar.
For the Yankees, adding Cease could give them a formidable rotation in 2025, especially if they already have Cole, Fried, Rodón, and Cease as the core. This would allow them to move a pitcher like Marcus Stroman in a trade, potentially freeing up more flexibility and allowing them to address other needs, whether it’s improving the bullpen or adding another bat.
With Cease’s situation as a rental and his desire to test free agency, the Yankees wouldn’t have to part with too much to secure him, and they’d also be able to shed Schmidt, Pereira, and Vivas—prospects that would benefit the Padres in the short and long term. This potential trade could be a win-win for both teams, balancing the Yankees’ pursuit of a championship window with the Padres’ rebuild/retool efforts.
Padres Likely to Deal Cease
It’s clear that the Padres are in a tough spot financially, especially with their luxury tax concerns and the uncertainty around their pitching rotation after missing out on Roki Sasaki. With their current projected salary obligations and the pressing need to balance the books, trading Cease seems like a logical move, despite their desire to keep him.
Given that Cease is a pending free agent with a hefty $13.75 million salary for 2025, it makes sense that San Diego might have to move him to avoid further tax penalties and possibly reshape the roster for both the short and long term. Even though Cease’s acquisition from the White Sox earlier in 2024 added depth to their rotation, the financial constraints likely make it difficult for the Padres to keep him without making significant moves elsewhere.
Moving Cease now would allow the Padres to recoup some prospects and further shape their future. It’s not ideal for San Diego, as they’re losing a top pitcher, but it would help them address their other needs and avoid tax penalties, especially as they continue to make adjustments. This trade market uncertainty means teams like the Yankees, who can absorb Cease’s salary and have the assets to trade, may have a window to secure a key player without surrendering an overwhelming return.
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