Sat Oct 11 02:10:00 UTC 2025: **For Immediate Release**

**Cease Fire in San Diego? Pitcher Predicted to Jump to Orioles in Free Agency**

**SAN DIEGO, CA -** As the dust settles on a disappointing Wild Card exit for the San Diego Padres, speculation is mounting about the future of starting pitcher Dylan Cease. According to Bleacher Report’s Joe Tansey, the right-hander is likely to sign with the Baltimore Orioles when his contract expires at the end of the postseason.

Cease, 29, has been a strikeout machine for the Padres, leading MLB with 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings this season and reaching the 200-strikeout mark for the fifth consecutive year. However, despite glimpses of brilliance, his regular season performance has been inconsistent, and his name was reportedly floated in trade discussions leading up to the deadline, suggesting the Padres may not be prioritizing his retention.

Tansey argues that Baltimore is an ideal landing spot for Cease, who could provide valuable veteran leadership to their young pitching core. A strong postseason performance could further boost Cease’s value and make him a highly sought-after commodity.

“I love San Diego a lot,” Cease said following the Padres’ elimination by the Cubs. “I really haven’t thought too much about [free agency]. It’s a special organization… The fans treat us extremely well.”

Regardless of his affinity for San Diego, the Padres face a potential rotation crisis this offseason. In addition to Cease’s likely departure, Michael King is expected to opt out of his deal, and Nestor Cortes will also enter free agency. While Joe Musgrove is slated to return from Tommy John surgery, the Padres will need to add at least two more starters to ensure a competitive rotation for the 2026 season.

The Padres declined to comment on the speculation.

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