The Yankees are scrambling to find a solution for their starting rotation after losing Luis Gil and Gerrit Cole just before the regular season begins. With free agency offering no viable options, trading is their best bet, and one name stands out—Dylan Cease. The Padres’ pitcher has drawn interest from nine teams, making him a sought-after trade target. But why is Cease in such high demand, and how well would he fit into the Yankees’ rotation?
Why Dylan Cease Is a Prime Trade Target
Cease’s strong pitch variety and high strikeout rate make him a valuable asset. Known for his ability to generate swings and misses, he relies heavily on his slider and maintains excellent command of his pitches. Last season with the Padres, Cease pitched 189 innings, recorded a 3.47 ERA, and struck out 224 batters. However, his postseason performance was less impressive, surrendering eight runs in just five innings. Despite this, his $13.75 million salary for the year makes him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their rotation.
https://t.co/fD3efPFJal. Opinions vary wildly on whether Dylan Cease will be dealt this spring, but he has to be the Yankees’ clear target (in here: Cease talks about his frequent life on the block)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 14, 2025
MLB insider Jon Heyman recently emphasized that the Yankees should make Cease their primary target, though it’s still uncertain if he will actually be dealt. Cease himself acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future, stating, “It’s baseball. Anything can happen.”
Will the Padres Trade Cease?
Despite the trade speculation, the Padres are still in postseason contention and may be reluctant to part ways with their top starting pitcher. The team is expected to slot Cease into their rotation for the start of the season, meaning a trade would likely only happen if the right deal comes along. Reports suggest that San Diego would demand high-end prospects and young pitchers in return, making any potential trade a costly one for the Yankees.
The Padres have clear weaknesses at left field, catcher, and designated hitter, so if the Yankees can offer reinforcements in these areas, a deal might be possible. However, losing Cease could hurt San Diego’s playoff aspirations, making them hesitant to part with him unless they receive a significant return.
The Yankees’ Trade Options
For New York, acquiring Cease would be a major win, filling a critical gap in their pitching rotation. There have also been rumors that Yankees prospect Jasson Domínguez could be included in trade discussions, further complicating the situation.
As the season approaches, the question remains: do the Yankees have enough assets to make this trade a reality? More importantly, is Dylan Cease the missing piece they need to make a championship run?
Let us know your thoughts—should the Yankees go all-in for Dylan Cease, or is the risk too great?