Padres might have Dylan Cease or Michael King solution currently in the ALCS

The elite duo of Dylan Cease-Michael King leading the Padres' starting rotation didn't quite work out this past season, and that's okay. There was once a vision that these two right-handers would carry the torch for a San Diego organization hopeful of reaching a World Series, but that ship has probably sailed.

So, it is time to starting constructing ideas as to who could replace the vacancy atop the rotation. Cease, who will seek a hefty long-term contract, is more than likely gone, while King may see himself traded as he tries to sniff out a bigger deal, too. Mason Miller transitioning into a starter is one idea, but let's not stop there. The options are limitless.

One ideal fit could be Toronto Blue Jays' Shane Bieber, who is under a one-year contract with a 2026 player option. He is likely to opt out and test the waters of free agency. Enter the San Diego Padres.

Bieber is, in a way, auditioning himself to potential suitors as he toes the rubber in the postseason. The 30-year-old is slated to start Game 7 of the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners, so Padres fans, personnel, and everyone in between should be locked in on his performance.

Padres should target potential free agent Shane Bieber this offseason

Bieber missed a great deal of time recovering from Tommy John surgery, and there was a lot of question marks swirling around the 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner. Did he still have it? Is he worth whatever his next contract will cost now that he is past 30 years old? Can he deliver in the playoffs?

All are justified questions, but Bieber has answered the bell since his return in late August of this season. He isn't consistently striking out hitters at a high rate like he used to, but his walk rate and ground ball rate are still elite enough for someone like the Padres to remain interested.

He made seven regular season appearances with Toronto, and he clipped four quality starts. Bieber also allowed two or fewer runs in five of those outings to produce a 3.57 ERA in 40.1 innings.

In the postseason, he re-opened some eyes with an eight-strikeout performance in Game 3 of the ALCS against the Mariners. Bieber earned the win after tossing six dazzling innings. He allowed a two-run home run in the first inning, then held Seattle scoreless for the rest of his outing. He even responded in the second inning with three straight punch-outs.

Bieber's signature blend of ferocity and pinpoint command is still there. He's proven it, and he should see several offers on the table once his tenure in Toronto has come to a close. Growing up about 90 miles north of San Diego, playing with the Padres could be a desired destination for Bieber. He'd be welcomed with open arms.