Padres fans brace for impact as their ace is expected to bolt for the AL on a stunning 5-year, $155 million contract.NL
The San Diego Padres are likely going to lose their ace, Dylan Cease, in free agency this winter. The Padres have a lot of money wrapped up in their stars, and Cease is projected to land a huge deal. As a result, there’s almost no chance these two sides can come together on a new deal.
But if he’s going to leave the Padres, where could the star sign?
ClutchPoints’ Bailey Bassett recently predicted the star righty would sign a massive five-year, $155 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles this winter.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 01: Dylan Cease #84 of the San Diego Padres pitches during the second inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Petco Park on September 01, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
“The Baltimore Orioles have tons of prospects-turned-pros who have loads of potential at the plate,” Bassett wrote. “However, last season proved that they won’t compete if they aren’t willing to spend and if they don’t bring in arms. Dylan Cease is the ace the Orioles need. He has questionable control, but his pure stuff is nasty.”
The Orioles made a huge mistake by not adding to the pitching staff last winter. As a result, they struggled and missed the postseason this year.
Going after Cease would be a bit out of the Orioles’ typical price range, but it’s the kind of move they need to make. The Orioles need to add a star or two to their pitching staff, and Cease would be the perfect option. The righty is likely going to get paid like an ace in free agency, and Baltimore needs to make a splash. The fit makes perfect sense.
