The Atlanta Braves need to bolster their starting pitching, as their rotation struggled with depth in 2024. Chris Sale had an outstanding season, earning the National League Cy Young Award, and Max Fried performed at a high level, though he has since joined the New York Yankees. Reynaldo Lopez showed promise when healthy, though his injury concerns limit his full potential. Charlie Morton, another key pitcher, is a free agent and is unlikely to return to Atlanta. To strengthen their rotation, the Braves could pursue a major trade, with the San Diego Padres being an ideal trade partner. FanSided’s Jacob Mountz recently suggested the Braves target Padres ace in a trade this offseason. He is expected to earn $13 million in 2025, and is projected to sign a $108 million contract in free agency next winter, according to Spotrac.
“But the main reason Cease is drawing such interest is because of his 2022 performance. That year, Cease finished as runner-up in the AL Cy Young voting, putting up a magnificent 2.20 ERA even though he led the MLB in free passes with 78,” Mountz wrote. “If the Braves can revive his 2022 performance, which seems possible given their coaching staff has done incredible things over the years, the Braves will have a championship-caliber team. Cease is owed $13 million next season before becoming a free agent.”
A trade for Cease would be expensive and would likely start with one of the Braves’ top pitching prospects, though Atlanta would probably try to keep both Spencer Schwellenbach and AJ Smith-Shawver if possible. Players such as Bryce Elder and Hurston Waldrep could be part of a trade package to the Padres as they consider offers. To secure Cease, the Braves would likely need to part with additional talent. While no discussions have been reported, this type of trade seems to be a logical move for Atlanta.
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