Astros passed on Dylan Cease trade due to asking price, sources say

The Houston Astros were one team in the league that was able to make a flurry of moves to improve their roster in order to make a push in the postseason this October.

They were able to improve in the batting lineup with moves that include the reunion with shortstop Carlos Correa in a trade with the Minnesota Twins, as well as trading for Miami Marlins outfielder Jesus Sanchez and Baltimore Orioles' third baseman Ramon Urias.

Houston wasn't able to acquire a pitcher to add to their lineup despite showing interest in adding to the team's starting rotation. San Diego Padres' Dylan Cease was a prospect who was floating around in rumors for the Astros.

MLB insider Bob Nightengale broke down the Astros' pursuit of the 2022 All-Star, saying that Houston had second thoughts on trading for Dylan Cease after hearing about the price that the Padres were asking for.

"They (the Astros) thought the asking price changed. It went from Spencer Arrighetti and three prospects, and the Astros said, 'Wait a minute, Arrighetti is going to come back, and we like him better than Dylan Cease.' It became a no-brainer to turn it down," Nightengale said on Friday.

The Padres heightened asking price for Dylan Cease made it easy for the Astros to turn down, says @BNightengale. pic.twitter.com/45jELA5vus

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) August 1, 2025

Despite his name being one of the most popular in trade talks, Dylan Cease remains with the San Diego Padres for the rest of the season on his $13.75 million deal before heading to free agency next offseason.

The Houston Astros ultimately chose to be patient with several injured pitchers – including Spencer Arrighetti, Cristian Javier, and J.P. France – who remain on the injured list but are nearing a return.