As the MLB trade deadline is just around the corner, the markets and teams' interest come to light. For the San Diego Padres, one of the more recent rumors has been the team's willingness to trade Dylan Cease at the trade deadline.
But, in an update from USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Padres' plans surrounding Cease got an interesting update. While the rumors only started within the last week, Nightengale revealed the Padres have been exploring trades for much longer.
"The Padres have been quietly shopping starter Dylan Cease for about a month for controllable players who can help them now- and in the future," Nightengale writes.
A.J. Preller and the Padres haven't just been listening to offers for Cease; they are actively trying to move on from the veteran starter whose deal is set to expire at the end of the year.
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The 29-year-old right-hander has struggled a bit this season, with a 4.59 ERA through 21 starts. Through 113.2 innings pitched, Cease has struck out 144 batters, walked 42, and allowed 16 home runs.
His 1.302 WHIP is the second highest in his last five seasons. The former Cy Young runner-up in 2022 hasn't been at his best, but he could still draw some interest from teams around the league looking for a starter.
San Diego is expected to lose Cease in the offseason, and Preller could be looking to jump the gun and net any return for him amid his expected departure.
Not only are the Padres listening to offers for Cease, but they're actively shopping him. While finding the right return may prove difficult, the Padres are looking to trade Cease at the deadline and have been shopping him for some time now.
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