The New York Mets and San Diego Padres have had very different approaches during the MLB offseason. The Mets have been the biggest spenders in baseball, while the Padres have focused on cutting payroll without adding any significant free agents. Now, the two teams are reportedly in discussions for a major trade.
San Diego entered the offseason with two main goals: signing Japanese starting pitcher Roki Sasaki and reducing their payroll. After missing out on Sasaki to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team has shifted its attention to trimming costs.
This offseason, it’s clear that San Diego is open to moving several of its top players. All-Star infielders Jake Cronenworth, Luis Arraez, and Xander Bogaerts are all potential trade candidates, as the Padres aim to rebuild their farm system and lower expenses.
In addition, the team has explored trading starting pitcher Michael King and All-Star closer Robert Suarez. However, the most likely player to be dealt is ace Dylan Cease.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Mets and Padres are in talks regarding Cease. New York has been actively pursuing the pitcher all offseason, and recent negotiations appear to be making progress.
The Chicago Cubs are also in the mix for Cease, but sources suggest the Padres might prefer the trade package being offered by the Mets, which includes top prospects.
Cease, who will be a free agent next winter, is set to earn $13.75 million this season. Over the past three years, he has posted a 3.40 ERA, 665 strikeouts, and a 10.9 K/9 across 550.1 innings pitched.
If the Mets acquire Cease, he would become the ace of their rotation, allowing them to adjust their pitching staff by moving Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga, and Frankie Montas into more appropriate roles. This could also give the Mets the flexibility to use a six-man rotation or deploy Clay Holmes as a multi-inning reliever.
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