This Padres-Yankees trade package could send Dylan Cease to NYY, solve SD's vacancy

The trade deadline is quickly approaching, and the Padres still have not patched up their problems at catcher. There are several options for San Diego to consider over the next couple of days, but a perfect potential suitor could be the New York Yankees.

Why the Yankees? Well, the Bronx Bombers need a starting pitcher, and they are always willing to lay out the cash to get what they want. They have always seemingly been interested in Dylan Cease, who has been on the rumor mill for quite some time. If the Padres dish Cease to New York, they could get catcher J.C. Escarra in return, as well as a couple of top prospects.

Yankees may be perfect trade partner with Padres ahead of 2025 deadline

Obviously, we don't want to see Dylan Cease go, but it is has become inevitable. As the Yankees vie for a postseason push, it would make sense for them to conjure up a package to send San Diego in exchange for the right-hander. Escarra would be at the nucleus of the deal, who could (at least temporarily) fix the glaring blemish behind the dish.

With elite framing abilities and a solid pop time, Escarra can provide some spark on the defensive end for the Friars. Escarra's problem in New York is that he rarely sees the field. Austin Wells and Ben Rice eat up most of the playing time behind the plate, which has given Escarra just 39 games.

His .205 batting average isn't ideal, but Escarra is essentially playing just one game per week. He has no opportunity to settle into a groove, but in San Diego, he might be handed that chance.

As part of the deal, the Padres could try and trade for Yankee top prospects in Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (RHP, No. 6), Everson Pereira (OF, No. 15), and Eric Reyzelman (RHP, No. 20).

Pereira and Reyzelman are expected to hit the big leagues this season, while Rodriguez-Cruz isn't projected to hit the big stage until 2027. With Double-A Somerset, Rodriguez-Cruz boasts a 2.42 ERA in 96 2/3 frames with 109 strikeouts, exhibiting tremendous upside for the future.

Pereira reached the majors in 2023, but proved to not be ready just yet. With Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he has 19 home runs and an OPS over .860, making him a decent fourth outfield option for the Padres - or even a surprising pick to man left field regularly.

Reyzelman, playing in Triple-A, has a .188 batting average against out of the bullpen.

So, does this completely rectify the catching problems for San Diego? It might not, but Escarra could give the Friars some new life at a cheap price, all while finally getting rid of Cease. It's a quasi-match-made-in-heaven, all while feeling more realistic than not.