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17 hours ago
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The San Diego Padres have emerged as one of the more popular teams in trade talks as they look to stay under the luxury tax threshold while staying competitive in the National League.
With a 58-49 record, the Padres are currently in control of the last Wild Card spot in the National League. They are also just four games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West lead as LA continues to struggle to put games together.
A trade is likely to take place in San Diego. Starting pitcher Dylan Cease has emerged as the Padres' top target heading into Tuesday, but injured right-handed starter Michael King has also been a name popping up in rumors.
King, 30, has been out since May 18 after pinching a nerve in his throwing shoulder.
The 2024 Cy Young Award finalist is eyeing a return sometime in mid-August, and the Padres received positive news on King's recovery progress.
Michael King is expected to begin a rehab assignment with the Padres Triple-A affiliate, the El Paso Chihuahuas, on either Saturday or Sunday, according to Padres writer Jeff Sanders.
The Padres pitcher was repeating another All-Star-worthy season in his second season with the team before going down with the injury. In 10 starts in 2025, King has a 4-2 record, 2.59 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and has struck out 64 in 55.2 innings pitched.
While Michael King remains a potential trade candidate, reports indicate the Padres are more likely to move Dylan Cease. It could be the more logical move, as Cease is owed $13.75 million in an expiring contract in 2025 – compared to King's $4 million with a mutual option in 2026 – and Cease is currently having one of the worst statistical seasons of his career.
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