Latest news with #Cease
Newsweek
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Padres Might Have To Get Creative To Address Needs With Expiring Contracts
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The San Diego Padres just dipped under the luxury tax threshold this season, but with their payroll projected by Fangraphs to land in the second tier, they face a 12% surcharge on their payroll next season. This makes Alden Gonzalez of ESPN believe that the Padres might have to do some flipping to address their needs at the trade deadline. WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 18: Dylan Cease #84 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park on July 18, 2025 in Washington, DC. WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 18: Dylan Cease #84 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park on July 18, 2025 in Washington, DC. Photo byThe Padres have three specific needs: a left fielder, a catcher, and an end-of-rotation starter. With little wiggle room on the payroll and after taking significant hits to their farm system in trades the last few seasons, they may have to flip major league assets for the pieces they need. The Padres have a couple of valuable players who could be free agents after the season, including starting pitcher Dylan Cease. Cease is set to become a free agent this offseason and has had the season that he had hoped for. While he is striking out more batters per nine innings than last season, he has given up more runs and has seen his ERA grow by a run from last year. If the Padres do not envision themselves extending Cease, another team could be interested in the former Cy Young candidate. Luis Arráez is also a pending free agent, and while he is still hitting for a high average, his bat has taken a step backward this season. If Padres general manager AJ Preller needs to, he could use Arráez as a chip to get the pieces that he needs to contend for the National League pennant. With the deadline looming and the Padres holding a playoff spot, Preller is likely to wheel and deal to put the finishing touches on his championship contender. More MLB: Cardinals Manager Hopes Michael McGreevy's Appearance 'Not A Spot Start'
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Padres must prove they're worth 'bold move' at MLB trade deadline
WASHINGTON — One hundred games into a season is typically long past time a ballclub has its identity firmly established. Yet the San Diego Padres know it's not too late to show the world exactly how good they are. And more specifically, to prove to club president A.J. Preller that their squad is worthy of the aggressive moves for which he's so renowned. 'We need to show him what we're capable of,' All-Star outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. tells USA TODAY Sports, 'to see what kind of bold move he'll make.' For now, the Padres have proven they're playoff caliber: They hold down the final wild card spot in the National League and lurk just 3 ½ games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. They began the second half by winning two of three games at Washington, the start of a 10-game humidity tour that will afford them climate-controlled indoor baseball in Miami before four games at St. Louis precede a return to San Diego's saner dew points. It was on this almost exact trip last year – also the first after the All-Star break - that the Padres won seven of nine games, going from .500 team to a club that gave the Dodgers the hardest punch of the playoffs before losing a five-game NL Division Series. And after that post-break burst, Preller juiced up the bullpen, swinging deals to land All-Star relievers Jason Adam and Tanner Scott, a just reward for a club that earned it. Now, these Padres face something of a last dance. Oh, it's never over in San Diego, not when veterans like Manny Machado ($350 million through 2033), Xander Bogaerts ($280 million, 2033) and Tatis ($340 million, 2034) are wrapped up well into the next decade, and eight other players locked into multi-year deals through at least 2027. But a mini-window of sorts is closing: Starting pitchers Dylan Cease and Michael King, the major pieces of their pivot to deal Juan Soto to the New York Yankees, are free agents after this season. The extent to which San Diego attempts to retain them this winter, or backfill the rotation via free agency, should be telling about the near-term fate of the franchise, which lost its franchise scion when owner Peter Seidler passed away in November 2023. While overflow crowds at Petco Park and the many long-term commitments ensure the Padres will stay competitive, coming years may suggest a re-tooling or at least easing the foot up on the gas. For now, though, there's still a pennant to chase, and a case to make. 'This is the stretch,' says Cease, who shrugged off a first half in which he posted a 4.88 ERA to strike out 10 in his first start after the break. 'Obviously all the games are important. But this is really, probably going to define who we're going to be at the end of the day.' With a president of baseball operations surely watching closely. 'I don't think in terms of that,' says Cease, 'but the better position we're in you know the more aggressive he's probably more willing to be. 'But he's probably going to be aggressive either way.' And Preller would be augmenting a club that, despite its 54-45 record, knows there's a little more in the tank. 'Didn't let 'em breathe' The Padres were hard to miss at the July 15 All-Star Game, what with five representatives led by Tatis and MVP candidate Manny Machado. Yet the remainder of their reps came from one unit: The bullpen. They were well-earned nods, with Robert Suárez leading the majors with 28 saves and Adam (2.05 ERA) and lefty Adrian Morejon (1.83 ERA, 0.81 WHIP) dominant almost every time out. Yet Adam and Morejon have already pitched in 48 games, one less than the major league leaders in that category. Jeremiah Estrada has logged 47 appearances. And the Padres have played 55 games decided by two runs or less, second-most in the majors. Fortunately, they're 34-21 in such games, yet the bullpen has burned a lot of high-leverage fuel to prop them up, and the sustainability questions will swirl if there are any late-inning hiccups. To put it bluntly: The Padres need to start kicking some teams' butts. 'Didn't let 'em breathe,' an approving manager Mike Shildt said after the Padres jumped the Nationals in an 8-1 victory to claim the series Sunday. 'If we continue to do that – we add on – watch out. 'This team will be even more dangerous than it already is.' That victory was jump-started by Machado and Tatis drawing first-inning walks and Bogaerts jumping All-Star MacKenzie Gore for a first-inning grand slam; it was 5-0 after one inning and 8-0 after three. And it continued Bogaerts' tear; he's raised his batting average 40 points since June 19, his .382 average second in the majors in that stretch. Bogaerts, who turns 33 Oct. 1, has had an uneven first two years in San Diego, his OPS falling 102 points to .688 last season. Yet he's back at his familiar shortstop post and exemplifying this Padre group's ethos: Make good swing decisions, get the ball in play, catch the ball and run the bases aggressively and smartly. Bogaerts' 16.2% strikeout rate is his best since 2015, when he was 22 and in his first full season with Boston. The Padres' 695 strikeouts are fewest in the NL – 68 less than the nearest playoff contender, the Cubs. 'Just trying to swing at strikes,' says Bogaerts, who has stolen 16 bases in 17 attempts. 'Keep working and keeping the same routine.' Shildt is a bit more effusive. 'Just looks under control. Balanced. Everything looks smooth. He's got a lot of (stolen bases), right there with Tati. And he's playing as good a shortstop as anybody in baseball. 'We're getting an All-Star version of Bogey.' A division shot, a shot in the arm As they pass the 100-game mark in Miami, the Padres can feel good in who they are, and what is at stake. 'I know we have a good team," says Bogaerts. "We have to play some really good baseball. We have a tough stretch coming up and a big second half, so hopefully we can get there.' Indeed, 29 of their next 35 games are against teams with winning records; the Padres are just 20-32 against teams better than .500 this season. Things aren't optimal, but you can see help from here. King, currently on the injured list with a pinched nerve in his right shoulder, is throwing bullpen sessions and hopes for an August return. In his stead, Nick Pivetta – signed when the veteran righty hit a free agent road bump due to the qualifying offer – is pitching better than he has in his nine-year career. Jackson Merrill, who probably should have won NL Rookie of the Year honors last year, has been slowed by a pair of IL stints yet still has a runway to salvage the rest of his sophomore season. And for better or worse, they'll be done with the Dodgers by Aug. 24 after playing them six times in a 10-game stretch. Of their final 27 games, 10 are against the Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox, the two worst teams in baseball. 'We have a chance to win the division out here,' says Tatis. 'We got a lot of baseball ahead of us. It's a matter of taking care of business and staying consistent.' And then there is the deadline. The Padres' needs are not unlike almost every other contender: A starting pitcher. Another outfield or DH bat, preferably right-handed. And perhaps another reliever, though the Padres are dealing from a position of strength rather than the relief misery many other clubs find themselves in. 'There is great talent in this room,' says catcher Martin Maldonado, the 38-year-old veteran of six Houston Astros playoff runs. 'The pitching staff is amazing.' In fact, the Padres believe, whatever additions arrive can only build upon something solid. Perhaps they will push them to a division title, a round deeper in the playoffs. Point is, the Padres have put themselves in position to reap those rewards. 'Almost every facet of the game we've been good,' says Shildt, citing the consistency of the team's at-bats as the last piece to slide into place. 'I do feel like we're in a good spot and trending to a great spot.'
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Padres get horrible Scott Boras news regarding Dylan Cease's future in San Diego
Unfortunately, the San Diego Padres find themselves in that weird position, where they have an opportunity to win a World Series, but may also lose some of their top players in the offseason. With Dylan Cease available on the free agency market during this upcoming winter, it remains uncertain what the Padres plan to do. Advertisement However, as a Scott Boras client, it's almost certain that he'll be available for teams to bid on, unless the Padres come in with an offer over the next few months before he hits free agency that blows him and Boras out of the water. Despite that, Dennis Lin of The Athletic doesn't expect that to be the case, adding that every team around the league could use him, and that he's "almost certainly gone." 'Cease is a Scott Boras client, and every team could use him. In other words, he's almost certainly gone. King's weird injury might have increased the chances of his staying, but for now, I'd still put those odds at well under 50 percent. Suarez will be 35 next season, and he's had elbow issues in the past. The Padres would be wise to let him explore free agency,' he wrote. MORE: All-Star Red Sox outfielder 'makes the most sense' for Padres at trade deadline Advertisement The Padres likely understood that when Cease hit the open market, they'd have a tough time keeping him. Had the Padres been playing a bit better, it'd be easier to justify giving a starter the type of money that he'll command on the market. However, even then, it isn't as if Cease has been great this year, with a 4.62 ERA. He has 121 strikeouts in 97.1 innings and a 3.41 FIP, suggesting that he's been very unlucky, but the base numbers haven't exactly been ideal regarding the ERA. MORE MLB NEWS:
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
San Diego Padres pitcher Dylan Cease trade sparks outrage as Padres demand Yankees star Spencer Jones
Dylan Cease trade sparks outrage as Padres demand Yankees star Spencer Jones (Image via Getty) San Diego Padres pitcher Dylan Cease trade rumors again rang in with the arrival of 2025, with strong connections to the New York Yankees. Although no trade has occurred yet, negotiations have become more heated. Padres analyst Christian Pedersen recently discussed why he feels a trade involving Dylan Cease being shipped to the Yankees can be successful and even specified the prospects that he desires in exchange. With both teams needing major changes, the deal could pick up steam soon. Padres analyst demands Spencer Jones in trade offer for Dylan Cease Christian Pedersen on Padres Digest on Saturday explicitly declared his position: he would be "okay" with letting Dylan Cease go, but for a price. His proposed destination? The New York Yankees are a team hard-pressed to find healthy pitchers. Pedersen described the Yankees as always thinking they can "fix or tinker with any star," and Cease is one such star. — devinegospel (@devinegospel) He feels the Padres would be wise to use this time to strengthen their farm system, which he described as "depleted and lackluster." Pedersen suggested a trade that included the Yankees best prospects namely, Spencer Jones, and either Bryce Cunningham or Ben Hess. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gold Is Surging in 2025 — Smart Traders Are Already In IC Markets Learn More Undo Jones is an exciting outfielder, and Cunningham and Hess are both talented young pitchers. These are no throwaway names. All three are highly rated and under the age of 25, which makes them long-term franchise assets. Pedersen's suggestion may be unofficial, but it does reflect mounting pressure on the Padres to rebuild and replenish. Also Read: Christen Cease Steals The Show As Dylan Cease Makes Unexpected Appearance At Padres Gala MLB Insider thinks Dylan Cease is nearing free agency As trade rumors intensify, another scenario is on the table. In an article published by The Athletic, MLB insider Dennis Lin stated that Cease is "almost certainly gone." Why? Cease happens to be represented by Scott Boras, and Boras does not allow top talent to re-sign unless he first fully tests the marketplace. "Every team could use him," Lin stated, indicating high league-wide demand. Even with all the rumors, Dylan Cease is still with the Padres. To date in 2025, he has appeared in 11 games, has 121 strikeouts, and a 4.62 ERA. Not his best year, but his upside makes him worth having for any team vying for a championship. Whether or not the Padres trade him prior to the trade deadline, Cease's time in San Diego appears to be running out. If something doesn't materialize soon, the Padres stand to lose him for nothing which is why Christian Pedersen's trade suggestion might not be so far-fetched after all. As summer arrives and the Yankees seek rotation support, everyone is watching Dylan Cease and what the Padres will choose to do next. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fantasy Baseball Trade Analyzer: These strikeout artists have ugly surface stats — so it's time to buy low
Although there are more advanced stats available to fantasy baseball managers than ever before, many analysts maintain that if they used just one statistic to assess pitchers, they would still choose K-BB%. Simply put, hurlers who dominate the strike zone are well-positioned for success, even if they have some warts within their batted-ball tendencies. [Smarter waivers, better trades, optimized lineups — Yahoo Fantasy Plus unlocks it all] For this week's edition of the Trade Analyzer, I took a different slant and looked at pitchers who have an ERA over 3.70 despite ranking among the K-BB% leaders. Let's take a deep dive on these players, as they may be excellent buy-low candidates for the Trade Market. Dylan Cease, SP, San Diego Padres Cease has been arguably the most frustrating pitcher to roster this year. While pitchers who are injured, such as Corbin Burnes, are sent off rosters to create space for new players, Cease keeps hanging around, hurting his teams' stats in the process. In fact, thanks to his bloated ratios (4.43 ERA, 1.29 WHIP) and low win total (3), the right-hander ranks 118th in starting pitcher production this year. Advertisement But there remains tremendous potential in Cease, who ranks eighth in the majors in strikeouts and 11th among qualified pitchers in K-BB% ratio. He has been tremendously unlucky, as his .330 BABIP is fifth-worst among qualified hurlers and his 67.7% strand rate is the 10th lowest. All of the popular ERA estimators for Cease are below 3.50. He's the ultimate buy-low pitcher right now. Sonny Gray, SP, St. Louis Cardinals The ERA estimators can't agree on Gray. His FIP and xFIP sit around the 3.00 mark, while his xERA hovers around 4.00. In both of his seasons with the Cardinals, the veteran has been among the K-BB% leaders, thanks to an above-average strikeout rate and elite control skills. But in both of those years, Gray has produced an average ERA. He allows his share of hard contact, fly balls and home runs, which will likely keep Gray from returning to ace status. But he is rock-solid as No. 2/3 fantasy starter. Jesús Luzardo, SP, Philadelphia Phillies There are several reasons to buy low on Luzardo right now. His .361 BABIP ranks second worst among qualified pitchers, and his 70.3% strand rate is the 12th worst mark. His 4.08 ERA is substantially higher than all of his ERA estimators. And he allowed 20 of his 41 earned runs over a two-start stretch from May 31 to June 5, before bouncing back by allowing five earned runs while logging a 21:5 K:BB ratio over his next three starts. Jack Flaherty, SP, Detroit Tigers Flaherty is the first player to this point in the article whom I wouldn't be excited to add to my roster. There is no doubt that he's dominating the strike zone, as his 19.0% K-BB ratio ranks 21st among hurlers with at least 70 innings. But opposing hitters are doing plenty of damage when they do connect, as his barrel rate, hard-hit rate and fly ball rate are among the worst in baseball. Additionally, his worst work has come of late, with an 8:8 K:BB ratio, 4 HR and 15 ER across 7 IP in his past two starts. Advertisement The fact that Flaherty earns plenty of strikeouts while pitching for a top team makes him worth rostering, but I wouldn't trade for him. Mason Miller, RP, Athletics Miller remains one of the best at striking out batters, as his 39.5% strikeout rate ranks fourth among hurlers who have thrown at least 20 innings. But his control skills have taken a turn for the worse this year (12.6% walk rate), with the problem arising during May and continuing into June. Hitters are also making stronger contact against Miller this year, as his 88.0 mph average exit velocity allowed is 1.9 mph higher than last year's mark. He's still excellent, and he should post an ERA in the 3.00s from this point forward. Still, there are some warts that need to be corrected before I put Miller back in the top tier of closers. Tanner Scott, RP, Los Angeles Dodgers Throughout his career, there are two iterations of Scott — the one who is wild and the one who is awesome. This year, the 30-year-old has thrown us a curve by being neither. Advertisement His control skills have been incredible, with his 2.8% walk rate ranking as the second-best mark of anyone with 30 innings pitched. And his strikeout skills continue to be strong, as his 28.4% rate is similar to his career mark. Scott's ERA estimators are significantly lower than his 3.65 mark, and he has been plagued by poor timing, as is evidenced by his 62.1% strand rate. Even with the Dodgers sharing some save chances, Scott ranks 10th in baseball in that category, and he has collected six of the team's past eight saves. I'm not worried about the Dodgers trading for a closer this summer, and I expect Scott to have plenty of value the rest of the way. A buy-low offer would be a smart move by those who need saves.
