MLB Rumors: New Team Enters The Dylan Cease Sweepstakes

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dylan Cease throws the ball during 2025 game.

The Dylan Cease contract sweepstakes are shaping up as one of the upcoming offseason’s biggest storylines. 

A six-year, 187 million dollar projection has set the bar, and it fits his profile as a high volume strikeout ace with five straight 200 plus K seasons. 

The San Diego Padres remain the most logical favorite to keep him. The Padres know his value and can justify paying for reliability atop a rotation that needs a steady workload anchor.

Braves weigh the upside against real hurdles

The Atlanta Braves' need is obvious after a step back on the mound. 

Cease checks their innings and swing and miss boxes, and the hometown angle adds intrigue. There are two flags. First is price. Committing near 200 million dollars would make him one of the most expensive players in club history. 

Second is representation. Scott Boras clients often require top of market terms and Atlanta’s recent history suggests selectivity with those negotiations. Add a 2025 line that mixed elite strikeouts with a 4.55 ERA and elevated walks and the Braves must decide if the whiff power outweighs command wobble.

Mets poised to spend if the market opens

The New York Mets also profile as a classic big market bidder. They need a headline right handed starter, they can live at the deep end of the pool, and Cease’s durability fits their push to stabilize the front of the staff. 

They're definitely a team to keep an eye on.

Photo Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images