The Atlanta Braves have never hesitated to make bold, high-impact moves to strengthen their roster for another deep playoff run. As the 2025 MLB season unfolds, a potential blockbuster trade is generating buzz and could shake up the league. Recent speculation has linked the Braves to San Diego Padres right-hander Dylan Cease—a deal that would create a dominant one-two punch at the top of Atlanta’s rotation alongside Spencer Strider.
Cease, a former AL Cy Young finalist, is entering the final year of his contract with San Diego and is set to earn $13.75 million this season. With the Padres competing in one of baseball’s toughest divisions and possibly considering a roster reset, Cease could become one of the most sought-after pitchers on the trade market by midseason. That’s where Atlanta comes into play.
Why Cease Makes Sense for the Braves
Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos is known for his aggressive, strategic moves aimed at keeping the team in championship contention. With Spencer Strider anchoring the rotation and Max Fried potentially in his final season with Atlanta, the Braves need another frontline starter to complement their ace beyond 2025. Cease, with his elite strikeout ability and postseason experience, would be an ideal fit.
Atlanta also has the prospect depth to make a deal happen without jeopardizing their long-term future. Young pitchers like Hurston Waldrep and AJ Smith-Shawver, or a mix of MLB-ready talent, could be enticing enough for San Diego to consider a trade.
Cease’s Impact on Atlanta’s Rotation
Pairing Cease with Strider would give the Braves one of the most electric starting duos in the league. Strider, who led MLB in strikeouts last season, has become one of the game’s most dominant pitchers, and Cease’s ability to miss bats would complement his high-powered arsenal. With Charlie Morton aging and Fried’s future uncertain, acquiring Cease would help solidify Atlanta’s rotation not just for this season, but for multiple postseason runs.
How a Trade Could Unfold
While the Padres aren’t expected to completely rebuild, they could consider moving Cease if they struggle to keep up with the NL West powerhouses (Dodgers, Giants, Diamondbacks) by midseason. San Diego’s farm system has taken hits in recent years, so acquiring a package of young, controllable talent from the Braves could help them restock for the future.
Other teams, including the Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals, may also pursue Cease, but Atlanta’s combination of urgency to win now and long-term stability makes them an ideal trade partner. If a deal comes together, it could be a game-changer in the Braves’ pursuit of another World Series title.
Final Thoughts
With Opening Day approaching, trade speculation is starting to heat up. If Dylan Cease becomes available, the Braves will likely be among the first teams to make a call. Adding the hard-throwing righty to their rotation alongside Strider could give Atlanta one of the most feared pitching staffs in baseball—further solidifying their status as World Series contenders.