Padres' failure to sign Roki Sasaki will almost assuredly put these rumors to bed

Padres fans got the news they have been dreading Friday morning, and learned that San Diego had been virtually eliminated from the race to sign Roki Sasaki. In what has been a whirlwind past few weeks, Padres fans have been teased with predictions and rumors surrounding Sasaki's decision, which now seems to be rapidly approaching. To make matters worse, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the frontrunners to sign the pitcher, something that Padres fans are all too used to hearing.

If there is anything positive that could come out of the news, it's that now the talented arm of Dylan Cease will most likely be staying in San Diego. Subject to weeks of trade rumors, Cease recently signing a one-year deal to avoid arbitration, and now seems poised to return as the team's ace.

Padres pitching staff still has gaps

In the case that the Padres did land Sasaki, Dylan Cease was almost certain he would be packing his bags. After being acquired in a trade from the White Sox before the start of the 2024 season, Cease quickly reminded the league of his talents after a down season in 2023. Putting up 14 wins, finishing fourth in Cy Young voting, and tossing the second no-hitter in Padres history, Cease was everything the Padres hoped for.

The issue with Cease, however, is the salary. As the Padres look to cut payroll for the 2025 season, Cease seemed to be an obvious way to shed a large chunk. Signed to a one-year, $13.75 million contract through the end of the 2025 season, the Padres were hoping to get a big return out of a potential trade. Now, with Sasaki seemingly out of the picture, San Diego may have to eat that contract and ride with Cease for another year.

Keeping Cease and losing out on Sasaki, although not the first choice, may not be the negative that many feel it is. Yes, Sasaki is a generational talent at an absolute bargain, but he is still unproven at the MLB level, a risk that the Padres may not be able to take with their already limited pitching staff. Cease on the other hand is a proven top pitcher in the league who started 33 games last season for the Padres. Sasaki has never appeared in more than 20 games in a season.

Add on the fact Joe Musgrove is out for the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and Michael King is expected to take the Padres to their first arbitration hearing since 2014, and the Padres are in desperate need of arm talent. Keeping Cease, although not the best option for the budget, is still a move that elevates the Padres pitching staff. How Cease feels about the team after being on the chopping block for the past month however, is yet to be fully known.