The New York Mets are actively pursuing San Diego Padres’ ace pitcher Dylan Cease to strengthen their starting rotation. Cease, who maintained a 3.47 ERA over 33 starts in the 2024 season, is entering his final year of arbitration eligibility with a projected salary of approximately $13.75 million. Given the Padres’ financial considerations and the potential for Cease to become a free agent after the 2025 season, the Mets see an opportunity to acquire the right-hander to bolster their pitching staff.
In exchange for Cease, the Padres are reportedly seeking a package of promising prospects to rejuvenate their farm system. A proposed deal includes Mets’ prospects Luisangel Acuña, Ryan Clifford, and Blade Tidwell. Acuña, who showcased potential with a .308/.325/.641 slash line in limited major league at-bats in 2024, along with Clifford and Tidwell, both highly regarded in the Mets’ minor league system, represent the caliber of talent the Padres desire in return for their ace.
Additionally, the Mets have shown interest in Padres’ infielder Luis Arraez, especially if they are unable to re-sign first baseman Pete Alonso. Arraez, a three-time batting champion, recently agreed to a one-year, $14 million deal with the Padres to avoid arbitration. Despite a slight dip in his offensive numbers in 2024, Arraez’s consistent hitting and versatility in the infield make him an attractive target for the Mets as they look to strengthen their lineup for the upcoming season.
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