A semi-strange rumor has persisted since early in the season that, even if they were contending, the San Diego Padres might be interested in dealing Dylan Cease from the rotation as the trade deadline approached. Here we are, a day and a half before the deadline, and ... the Padres are contending, and that interest has only intensified.
The Yankees, looking for as much pitching as they can possibly muster, would be as good a fit for Cease as anyone, as well as fellow rental starters like Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen. Though Brian Cashman's faith in his roster appears to be waning, the Yankees' status as a "soft buyer" and a team willing to give to get from their MLB corps could work in their favor here.