New potential landing spot for Dylan Cease emerges as trade talks continue

It's another day in the 2025 MLB offseason, and another Dylan Cease rumor is here. Highlighted as one of the league's most sought after trade pieces, Cease has been subject of countless predictions and rumors, all looking to finally make the correct pick as to which jersey he will be wearing in 2025. Now as the Padres have finally begun making moves on the major league side, a new potential suitor has emerged in the Cease dealings.

The Chicago Cubs are now showing interest in the 29-year-old right hander, as first reported by MLB Network insider Jon Morosi. Looking to bolster a starting rotation that already includes 2024 All-Star Shota Imanaga and 2023 All-Star Justin Steele, adding Cease could right away change the trajectory of the Cubs 2025 season.

After first being linked to a number of teams including the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles, both of which are looking to compete with the Max Fried signing by the New York Yankees, the stove seemed to cool around Cease. Now with both Cease and Michael King on the trade block showing the Padres willingness, and frankly their absolute need to add more players to the roster, the Cubs look poised to make a move.

Although departing with a pitcher the caliber of Cease is something no team wants to do, the potential return is one that cannot be overlooked. Currently sitting near the bottom of the league in farm system rankings, the Padres could greatly improve on what is usually a solid farm system by sending Cease to Chicago. The Cubs currently have Bleacher Report's fifth ranked system, and with seven top 100 prospects (six of which are expected to make their debut in 2025), San Diego could see a return that is worth losing an arm like Cease.

The financial restraints the Padres currently find themselves in is a topic their fans are surely tired of hearing about, but in the case of Cease, his departure could greatly alleviate some of the pressure being felt by the front office. Owed $13.75 million in 2025 before becoming a free agent, shedding a one-year contract to inch close to avoiding a potential luxury tax penalty could be exactly what AJ Preller is looking for.