Rosters around the Majors are beginning to take shape, with Opening Day 2025 right around the corner. Having said that, just because rosters are nearly finalized doesn't mean more player movement isn't on the horizon. After all, MLB trade buzz won't completely stop until the deadline, and the latest rumors are tying the Philadelphia Phillies to a former Cy Young finalist.
Phillies News: Padres Scouting Philadelphia Amid Dylan Cease Trade Rumors
San Diego Padres right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease has been one named involved in trade rumors as he heads into a contract year. Even though New York Post's Jon Heyman recently revealed that the Padres likely won't trade Cease because of their promising outlook, that didn't stop them from sending scouts to recently look at potential trade partners.
On Saturday, Sports Illustrated's Pat Ragazzo reported the Phillies are one team that the Padres are scouting as Cease trade rumors swirl.
"Phillies head baseball executive Dave Dombrowski is always looking to improve his club," Ragazzo wrote. "(He) could dangle a number of top prospects in a deal for Cease that could help the Padres compete in the short- and long-term."
Due to Dylan Cease interest, the Padres have had scouts on the Mets, Yankees, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Orioles, Rays, Cubs and a team that had yet to be revealed in the Philadelphia Phillies this spring, per league sources
— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) March 15, 2025
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It isn't difficult to see why the Phillies would love to add a player of Cease's caliber to an already-loaded pitching rotation.
A former Chicago Cubs sixth-round draft pick, Cease has become one of the MLB's best pitchers in recent years. Since the start of the 2022 campaign, the 6-foot-2 right has gone 35-28 with a 3.40 ERA and 1.194 while averaging 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings in 98 starts. He finished fourth or better in NL Cy Young voting twice during that stretch, including when he was the 2022 runner-up.
Cease's potential addition would mean one of Philadelphia's current starting pitchers would be kicked to the curb.
With that in mind, Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Cristopher Sanchez likely aren't going anywhere, and Jesus Luzardo is probably safe after only joining the club this offseason. Assuming that right-handed prospect Andrew Painter begins the year in the minors, Ranger Suarez — who's playing on an expiring contract — could be the odd man out.
Even if a trade isn't imminent, Phillies fans would be wise to keep an eye on Cease. Anything can change between now and the July 31 trade deadline, especially if the Padres fall out of playoff contention and don't have any desire to re-sign Cease.
The Phillies and Padres are set to play two three-game series within two weeks in late June/early July, meaning it likely won't be long before the Philly fanbase gets a first-hand look at Cease.