Overview

• 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.