Fans won’t be shocked by the Mets’ latest perplexing trade choice.
Mets Could Bolster Rotation with Blockbuster Trade for Dylan Cease
The New York Mets have had a strong offseason, highlighted by the signing of Juan Soto and the return of Pete Alonso. However, there’s still room to improve, particularly in their starting rotation.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer proposed a potential blockbuster trade that could bring Dylan Cease from the San Diego Padres to the Mets:
Mets receive:
- Dylan Cease (RHP)
Padres receive:
- Brandon Sproat (Mets’ No. 1 prospect)
- Drew Gilbert (Mets’ No. 7 prospect)
In this scenario, the Mets would land a true ace to anchor their rotation, while the Padres would add two high-level prospects to strengthen their future.
Dylan Cease: A Key Piece for the Mets
Cease is under contract for one more season, earning $13.75 million in 2025 before hitting free agency in 2026. Last year, he posted a 14-11 record with a 3.47 ERA across 33 starts. If the Mets acquire him, Cease would immediately slot in as their No. 1 starter, joining a rotation that includes Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga, Frankie Montas, and Clay Holmes, with Paul Blackburn and David Peterson competing for spots.
Prospect Breakdown
In return, the Padres would get two promising prospects:
- Brandon Sproat: The Mets’ top prospect, a 24-year-old right-hander who reached Triple-A last season with a 7-4 record and a 3.40 ERA in 23 starts. Sproat could contend for a rotation spot in San Diego immediately.
- Drew Gilbert: A former first-round pick by the Houston Astros, Gilbert is now a key outfield prospect in the Mets system. Last year, he hit .215 with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs in 56 games at Triple-A. He could push for major league playing time as early as 2025.
Analyst Weighs In
According to Rymer, San Diego’s interest in trading Cease makes New York an ideal destination. The Mets need a true ace, and they have the prospect capital to make the deal happen. While giving up two top prospects would be a tough decision, Rymer believes it’s a necessary move.
“Five members of the team’s potential six-man rotation are over 30,” Rymer noted. “None truly fits the profile of a No. 1 starter like Cease. If the Mets want to keep pace with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL race, bold moves like this may be required.”
For the Padres, the trade would bring immediate value, with both Sproat and Gilbert ready to contribute at the MLB level soon.
Mets Owner Happy with Offseason Moves
The Mets’ offseason has already been a success, landing Juan Soto—the top free agent—and re-signing Pete Alonso.
As Spring Training approaches, Mets owner Steve Cohen praised the work of David Stearns and the front office.
“That’s why I hired him,” Cohen said of Stearns’ efforts. “He’s patient, disciplined, and thoughtful. We’re already seeing the payoff. His philosophy aligns perfectly with mine.”
The Mets are aiming to build on their 2024 campaign, which ended with a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS. Adding Cease could be the final piece they need to push for a deeper postseason run in 2025.
