San Diego Padres Starting Pitcher Dylan Cease has declined the team’s $22.025 million qualifying offer, electing instead to become a free agent. If he signs elsewhere, which is expected, San Diego will receive draft compensation. Because the Padres exceeded the competitive balance tax, the draft pick would come after the fourth round. Here is a look at what Cease brings to the table and who might be pursuing him this offseason.
Dylan Cease’s Value
While Cease did not have a great season in 2025, he does bring a bunch to the table. Before last season, he had been in the top 5 in the Cy Young voting two of the previous three seasons. From 2021 to 2025, he made 32 or more starts and struck out over 200 batters every season. Despite having just an 8-12 record and a 4.55 ERA, the 29-year-old righty still led the National League in strikeouts per nine innings at 11.05.
The Padres Rotation
The Padres‘ rotation will be without three big-time starters next season. Like Cease, Michael King has also turned down a qualifying offer to test free agency. On top of that, Yu Darvish has undergone UCL and flexor tendon surgery and will miss the entire 2026 season. While not considered major pieces, Nestor Cortes and Kyle Hart will also be free agents.
That leaves San Diego with Nick Pivetta, Randy Vásquez, JP Sears, Joe Musgrove, Matt Waldron, and Omar Cruz as their main options to fill rotation slots. Musgrove did not pitch in 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. With the Padres rumored to be considering cutting payroll to get under the luxury tax threshold, it will be interesting to see if the team is willing to pursue any free agents to fill rotation spots.
Suitors for Cease
There are several teams that have been rumored to be interested in Cease’s services. The New York Mets are considered to be at the front of that line. There has been much talk about interest from the Chicago Cubs (who originally drafted Cease), but insiders do not believe that the team is willing to spend the money needed to acquire Cease. The New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, and Baltimore Orioles are also possible suitors.
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