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Mets Get Major Update on Trade Rumor for $14 Million Ace

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nathan Dougherty | Last updated Jan 31, 2025 7:32 PM ET

The New York Mets are trying to build on their surprise run to the NLCS last season, adding firepower in the form of Juan Soto while also seeking a big trade to boost their pitching rotation.

But the Mets may be falling behind on the second quest, an insider now reports. The Mets were rumored to be pursuing San Diego Padres ace Dylan Cease, who would have joined the team on a one-year rental basis and added certainty to the top of the rotation. The Athletic's Will Sammon reported on Friday that the price may be too high for the Mets.

"The New York Mets feel good about their starting pitchers, but the club is always willing to engage in perceived opportunities," Sammon wrote. "That’s why the Mets checked in with the San Diego Padres about starting pitcher Dylan Cease, as the New York Post reported and league sources confirmed.

"Go get him, Orioles."@IamTrevorMay says Dylan Cease is a major prize that teams need to be all over the idea of acquiring. pic.twitter.com/z233hFqUKY
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 31, 2025

"However such a trade is unlikely right now, people familiar with the matter said, in part because of the potential acquisition cost."

Cease is set to earn just under $14 million in the coming season and will be heading to free agency in 2026. Though the 29-year-old is coming off a strong season where he had a 3.47 ERA with 224 strikeouts in 33 starts, the Mets already paid a high cost to land Soto.

The Mets head into 2025 with Kodai Senga returning from injury and penciled in at the top of the rotation, along with Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas, and David Peterson.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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