MLB Trade Rumors: One Team Pushing Very Hard For Padres' Dylan Cease

July 30, 2025 ,
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dylan Cease reacts during 2025 game.

The Houston Astros are prioritizing pitching help before Thursday’s MLB trade deadline, and San Diego Padres right-hander Dylan Cease is at the very top of their wish list. 

Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome of The Athletic report that Cease has become Houston’s primary target as they attempt to reinforce a rotation decimated by injuries.

Padres Want MLB-Ready Talent in Any Cease Deal

Cease is having a down year statistically, carrying a 4.79 ERA through 22 starts, but his underlying metrics remain strong. He owns a 3.64 FIP, leads the league with 11.6 strikeouts per nine innings, and has proven durability with more starts than any pitcher since 2021. With his impending free agency and a Padres team hovering on the playoff bubble, San Diego is listening to offers, but only if they return MLB-ready pieces that improve the roster now.

That complicates matters for Houston. The Astros’ farm system is thin at the upper levels, and San Diego would likely seek impact players who can fill immediate needs, such as left field or catcher. Top Astros prospects like Jacob Melton could draw interest, but San Diego is more likely to push for major league contributors.

Houston's Deadline Plans Beyond Cease

The Astros (61-47) currently hold a four-game lead in the AL West but have 17 players on the injured list, including several starters. Landing Cease would allow Houston to pair him with Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown at the top of the rotation as they await the return of Cristian Javier, Spencer Arrighetti, and Luis Garcia.

Houston is also shopping for a bat, with players like Minnesota Twins utility man Willi Castro and Miami Marlins outfielder Jesús Sánchez reportedly on their radar. But Cease remains the marquee name, and Astros owner Jim Crane has a history of pursuing big arms at the deadline, having previously landed Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke.

Photo Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

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