San Diego Padres Struggle to Trade Dylan Cease Amid Payroll Constraints

The Padres face challenges offloading their star pitcher as teams hesitate to meet high asking prices, complicating efforts to address roster gaps.

The San Diego Padres are attempting to trade Dylan Cease to clear his $13.75 million salary but are facing difficulties finding a suitable deal.
Cease, entering his final contract year before free agency, has expressed a desire to stay in San Diego despite persistent trade rumors.
The Padres are reportedly seeking significant returns, including top prospects or major-league-ready players, but interested teams like the Mets, Twins, and Cubs are reluctant to meet these demands.
The Padres' roster is strained by payroll restrictions and key departures, including Blake Snell and Tanner Scott to the Dodgers and Jurickson Profar to the Braves.
San Diego's front office must balance the need to address roster holes with the risk of weakening their starting rotation if Cease is traded.