Padres could move $13.75 million right-hander after trade with A's, per insider

The San Diego Padres have pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Athletics, acquiring pitchers Mason Miller and J.P. Sears. Sears can boost their rotation, while Miller gives them an elite arm at the back end of their bullpen.

However, San Diego may not be done just yet. They have a three-game lead over the Cincinnati Reds for the third National League Wild Card spot and will look to hold their place.

The Padres have been rumored to be shopping right-hander Dylan Cease, who is in the final year of his contract. With Sears now in the rotation, they have a little flexibility.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today noted that Cease could be moved now that Sears is around, as Sears has a few years of team control left.

"The Padres now can move starter Dylan Cease after getting starter J.P. Sears," Nightengale posted on X.

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Cease is struggling this season with the Padres. The 29-year-ole right-hander is 3-10 with a 4.79 ERA in 22 starts, though he has recorded 153 strikeouts in 118 1/3 innings of work.

Still, the 2022 American League Cy Young runner up could bring back a haul. Teams could be interested in his swing-and-miss capability and his ability to eat innings.

In all likelihood, with the Padres being more conservative financially, Cease will not be back in San Diego in 2026. That makes now an ideal time to trade him to another contender.

The Padres could potentially receive Major League ready talent in return for the right-hander that can help them as soon as this season down the stretch. Even if they trade him, they are still a buyer and are looking to enhance their roster for a run down the stretch.

We'll see what becomes of Cease in the next few hours leading up to the deadline.

More MLB: Padres pull off blockbuster trade for Athletics' Mason Miller