Orioles Trade Proposal Brings Dylan Cease to Baltimore, Revamps Rotation
The Baltimore Orioles, already in desperate need of starting pitching, have been thrust into an even more precarious position after losing their ace, Corbin Burnes. With the 2025 season fast approaching, the organization must decide how to reinforce their rotation and remain competitive in a fiercely contested division. Fortunately, the Orioles’ deep reservoir of young talent provides them with the trade capital to secure a top-tier starter.
Burnes, acquired in a pivotal trade last offseason, offered the Orioles a much-needed anchor for the rotation in 2024. However, his departure to the Arizona Diamondbacks has left a gaping hole in the team’s pitching staff. To rebound, Baltimore could replicate the success of their Burnes deal by targeting another premier arm to lead their 2025 rotation. One potential trade candidate gaining traction is Dylan Cease, an ace-level pitcher currently with the San Diego Padres.
Why Dylan Cease is a Perfect Fit
Cease, 28, is coming off a stellar season, boasting a 3.47 ERA over 189 1/3 innings pitched. With 224 strikeouts—the third-highest total in the majors—he cemented himself as one of baseball’s most dominant arms. Additionally, Cease achieved a career milestone by throwing his first no-hitter, further showcasing his elite skills. His advanced metrics, such as a 3.10 FIP, suggest that his surface numbers could have been even better.
His exceptional performance earned him a fourth-place finish in National League Cy Young voting for the 2024 season. As the Padres face potential financial constraints, trading Cease before he hits free agency could make sense, creating an opportunity for Baltimore to strike.
Proposed Trade: Cease to Baltimore
Content creator Jim Riley recently floated a trade idea involving Cease heading to Baltimore in exchange for first baseman Ryan Mountcastle and pitcher Dean Kremer. Riley framed the proposal as a solution to Baltimore’s rotational woes:
> “The Baltimore Orioles missed out on Corbin Burnes, the fan base is upset. Let’s run it back. In the end, you get an Orioles rotation that is headlined by Dylan Cease.”
Mountcastle and Kremer provide tangible value for the Padres. Mountcastle, a reliable power-hitting first baseman/designated hitter, has demonstrated consistent offensive production. Meanwhile, Kremer, under team control for three more years, could immediately step into San Diego’s rotation and help offset the loss of Cease.
Is the Trade Enough?
While Riley’s proposed deal has its merits, the Padres may expect more in return for a pitcher of Cease’s caliber, given his recent success and team control. Baltimore’s rich farm system and abundance of MLB-ready talent position them well to sweeten the offer. Prospects such as outfielders Colton Cowser or Heston Kjerstad or infielder Joey Ortiz could be included to satisfy San Diego’s long-term goals.
The Path Forward
For the Orioles, acquiring Cease would reaffirm their commitment to competing at the highest level. Pairing him with breakout starters like Grayson Rodriguez and Kyle Bradish would provide the team with a formidable rotation to challenge in the playoffs. However, this approach tests the aggressiveness of general manager Mike Elias.
Ultimately, Baltimore must decide if they are ready to leverage their talent pool to solidify a rotation capable of contending for a championship—or risk another season defined by unfulfilled potential.
