According to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves are interested in San Diego Padres starting pitchers Dylan Cease and Michael King. Earlier this week, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the Padres were open to trading King. With Cease, trade speculations have also risen recently. Both starters performed strong last season for the Padres making them worthy trade candidates. Cease sported a 14-11 record with a 3.47 ERA with a 1.067 WHIP. King posted a 13-9 record with a 2.95 ERA with a 1.192 WHIP. The Mets have spoken to the Padres about both starters. The Padres’ offseason so far has been silent, so it is potentially refreshing for them that these trade interests have surfaced.

Sources: Mets have spoken to the Padres about Dylan Cease and Michael King who are available via trade

Braves, among others, are also interested in both arms

Details: https://t.co/66zarVrJ63

— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) January 29, 2025

Padres Starters King, Cease Being Pursued by Mets and Braves

King’s Strong Assets

After a breakout 2024 season, King would make an appealing addition to the Braves and Mets for several reasons. First, he has one more year of team control remaining on his contract before he hits free agency. This would provide both the Mets and the Braves with flexibility in terms of their roster while benefiting from King’s development as a solid starter. He is 29 years old with six seasons of experience in MLB. Last season, King demonstrated commanding pitching through an excellent average exit velocity of 85.7 mph, a powerful hard-hit rate of 30.3 %, as well as a proficient offspeed run value of 10, according to Baseball Savant. The Mets have been pursuing many players this offseason, their biggest signing being the MLB record contract for free agent slugger Juan Soto.

What Cease Brings to the Table

Cease is also 29 and is a right-hander, like King. He also had a dominant season like King, but was dominant in different areas. Baseball Savant showed Cease as having a great breaking run value of 17, a dominant fastball velocity of 96.9, a solid whiff rate of 32.4 %, and an impressive strikeout rate of 29.4 %. If the Mets want to strongly pursue Cease, they would have to consider trading some of their younger prospect talent to the Padres. Looking at the Braves, there are many reasons why he would make a great fit for them. Just like King, he’s a reliable starter with one year remaining on his contract. Secondly, the Braves can add Cease to their rotation while not having to sign him to a lengthy contract. In addition, Cease was born in Georgia, so a move there could bring him closer to his roots. Lastly, Cease would provide the Braves with a caliber starter to boost their rotation.

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