Orioles Eyeing Dylan Cease, but Trade Talks Stalled Over Value Disagreement
The Baltimore Orioles are in search of starting pitching, and with Dylan Cease firmly in trade rumors, he seems like a natural fit. However, ongoing negotiations appear to be stalled due to differing views on Cease’s value.
Orioles Reluctant to Trade Top Talent for Cease
For some time, there has been speculation that Cease wouldn’t start the 2025 season with the Padres. Additionally, many expected the Orioles to sign a top-tier starter in free agency. After missing out on Corbin Burnes, they turned to the trade market, with Cease emerging as a potential target. While some don’t view Cease as an ace, his strong 2024 season in San Diego (3.47 ERA over 189 innings and 33 starts) shows his potential.
However, determining value for rental players like Cease can be tricky. According to Roch Kubatko of MASNsports, the Padres have inquired about top Orioles prospects like Samuel Basallo, Jordan Westburg, and Coby Mayo—but those players are off the table. This aligns with the Orioles’ approach, especially since they successfully retained these players in the trade for Burnes last offseason. Kubatko believes that while Cease may not command a top-tier return, a trade for a starting pitcher is still likely.
Why Do the Orioles Need Cease?
Despite missing out on a marquee free-agent starter, the Orioles bolstered their rotation with experienced arms. They signed Japanese veteran Tomoyuki Sugano (35 years old) on a one-year $13 million deal and 41-year-old Charlie Morton to a one-year $15 million contract. However, both are primarily seen as innings eaters, and the rotation’s front-runners are expected to be Zach Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez.
The projections for the rotation aren’t promising, with no starter expected to post an ERA lower than 3.70. This makes Cease an attractive option for the Orioles, especially given his affordable contract at $13.75 million. However, the team lacks left-handed starters, with Cade Povich and Trevor Rodgers struggling last season, both posting ERAs above 4.90. Povich, though, is a rookie who could improve in the upcoming season, both as a starter and in the bullpen.
What Would the Padres Do If They Trade Cease?
San Diego’s offseason has largely been dominated by ownership issues, limiting the team’s ability to add major-league talent. After missing out on Roki Sasaki, trading Cease seemed less feasible. In fact, unless the Padres can secure a new starter, Cease’s departure looks unlikely.
However, free-agent options like Nick Pivetta and Andrew Heaney remain on the table. Heaney, in particular, would be a strong fit for a rotation lacking left-handed pitching. But any additions to the rotation depend on ownership’s willingness to spend and the player’s willingness to sign, especially with Heaney expected to land a two-year deal.
