The article ranks the top MLB free agents for 2025-26, highlighting key players like Kyle Tucker, Dylan Cease, and Bo Bichette, with predictions on their contracts based on team valuations and player performance.
Nick Pivetta will start Game 1 for the Padres in the NL Wild Card Series, having emerged as their ace. Dylan Cease is set for Game 2, with Yu Darvish possibly starting Game 3. The Padres are managing their rotation and catcher situation carefully, with considerations for player health and matchups, especially at Wrigley Field.
The San Diego Padres are leaning towards retaining reliever Robert Suarez despite recent acquisitions and are still considering trading starter Dylan Cease, who is a free agent this winter. The team is focusing on strengthening their outfield, particularly by acquiring a right-handed hitting outfielder, while maintaining a strong bullpen for a potential deep playoff run.
The Houston Astros are interested in acquiring Padres pitcher Dylan Cease to bolster their injury-hit rotation and are also considering adding a bat, with potential trade targets including Willi Castro, Jesús Sánchez, and Jake McCarthy. The team faces challenges with a thin pitching staff and a tight budget near the luxury tax threshold, but owner Jim Crane's willingness to spend could facilitate a deal. The Astros' trade plans may involve prospects and salary considerations, amid competition from other MLB teams.
The MLB trade deadline on July 31 is expected to be busy, with key rumors including the unlikely trade of Dylan Cease from the Padres, the White Sox's Luis Robert likely staying put, and multiple teams showing interest in Eugenio Suarez. The Yankees are focusing on acquiring starting pitchers, while the Cubs are targeting pitching and bullpen help. The Angels have listed several free agents for trade, and the Mariners are pursuing Eugenio Suarez to bolster their lineup.
The Padres are exploring trades involving pitcher Dylan Cease with several teams, including the Cubs, Mets, and AL East clubs, due to financial constraints and roster needs. While trading Cease could free up salary and prospects, it would also weaken an already thin rotation, prompting interest in other pitchers like Charlie Morton. Cease has been solid this season, making him a valuable asset for playoff contenders.
The Boston Red Sox are considering acquiring Dylan Cease from the San Diego Padres as part of trade deadline moves, with Cease being a surprising starter being floated in trade talks due to his potential despite a down year and playoff struggles. Cease's strong stuff and upcoming free agency make him an intriguing, cost-effective option for the Red Sox, who are below the luxury tax threshold.
The Chicago Cubs are interested in acquiring Dylan Cease, a talented pitcher whose recent performance has been affected by some flukiness, and he is a potential trade target as he approaches free agency. The trade scenario involves complex team needs and strategic moves, with the Cubs potentially benefiting from adding a durable, playoff-ready arm.
The Padres secured an 11-1 victory over the Dodgers, highlighted by Dylan Cease's dominant seven-inning performance and a resurgence in Fernando Tatis Jr.'s offensive production, signaling positive momentum for the team amid ongoing struggles with consistency and offensive underperformance from key players.
The San Diego Padres are exploring trade options for several key players, including Dylan Cease, Luis Arraez, and Xander Bogaerts, as they seek to manage salary constraints and improve their roster. General Manager A.J. Preller is known for his active trading strategy, and with players like Cease and Arraez being attractive trade candidates due to their performance and contract situations, the Padres are looking to gain payroll flexibility. Bogaerts, despite his large contract and recent struggles, is also being considered for trade.
The Baltimore Orioles are in need of an ace pitcher to compete in the AL East, especially after rivals like the Yankees and Red Sox bolstered their rotations. With limited options available, the Orioles are eyeing Dylan Cease, who is reportedly on the trade market as the Padres explore his value before he hits free agency. Cease, a consistent performer with a strong track record, could be a key acquisition for the Orioles if they are serious about contending for the World Series in 2025.
In the SP Roundup, Jordan Hicks impresses with a win against the Nationals, while Cody Bradford shines for the Rangers and Dylan Cease showcases a new cutter pitch. Other notable performances include Logan Gilbert's strong slider, Yusei Kikuchi's successful outing, and struggles for pitchers like Marcus Stroman and Patrick Corbin.
The Chicago Cubs lineup for the rubber match against the San Diego Padres features Michael Busch moving up in the order, while Kyle Hendricks will be on the mound facing Dylan Cease. The Cubs are making lineup adjustments to counter Cease's lefty/righty splits, and Hendricks, despite early struggles, has shown promise and will need solid defense to succeed. The Padres' Cease has had a decent start to the season but has shown vulnerability to hard contact, while the Cubs lineup has been effective at grinding down pitchers.
Ha-Seong Kim's two home runs in an exhibition game in South Korea provided excitement for the Padres, while Dylan Cease impressed in his debut despite being pulled early. The Padres' lineup has remained consistent, with Xander Bogaerts leading off, followed by Fernando Tatis Jr., Jake Cronenworth, Manny Machado, and Ha-Seong Kim. The bullpen situation is still being finalized, with Robert Suarez expected to be the closer and potential opportunities for left-handers Wandy Peralta and Yuki Matsui.
The San Diego Padres welcomed new pitcher Dylan Cease, who is set to start on Monday against the LG Twins, adding depth to their rotation alongside Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove. The team is excited to experience the energetic atmosphere of South Korean baseball, with Fernando Tatis Jr. praising the local fashion and expressing eagerness to perform for the enthusiastic fans. Additionally, the Padres are making roster decisions ahead of the season opener, with several players potentially being placed on a "taxi squad" to allow for further evaluation.