Dylan Cease went to a higher bidder, but the Padres still have room to get creative with cheaper arms who can keep the rotation afloat.
The San Diego Padres didn’t just miss out on Dylan Cease, they watched the exact line of their comfort level get drawn in permanent marker.
Seven years and $210 million with deferrals was always going to be too rich for a team already tied up in long-term money. The Padres might need a frontline starter, but they don’t need another contract that could clog the books well into the next competitive window.