Ivy League Cubs

By: Jacob Zanolla

A few days ago I would have said a Dylan Cease trade was unlikely. However, as of yesterday it seemed that he would soon be on the move, although the location was questionable. That we know of, the Rangers and Padres were the two teams who sent over serious offers.

The Rangers seemed like a serious contender, but their offer was nothing compared to what AJ Preller was willing to part with. They gave up four prospects, three of them in the Padres organizational top ten prospect rankings. Drew Thorpe (RHP, #5 Padres prospect), Samuel Zavala (OF, #7), Jairo Iriarte (RHP, #9), and Steven Wilson (RHP).

Drew Thorpe was just acquired from the Yankees in the Juan Soto trade, so he has to pack his bags and get ready to move again! From NYC, to San Diego, to Chicago. Where to next?

While it may not seem like a lot, I like the trade for the White Sox. As much as I think they should have extended him, it’s not a bad return. Chris Getz boosts the farm system’s value, with Thorpe now their third best prospect, and Zavala sliding in at number six. If you weren’t going to extend him eventually, you might as well move him and get as much value back as possible, which is exactly what they did.

For the Padres, I also think this is a good trade. Sure you gave up some of your best prospects, but you have a deep farm system in case you do end up trading away young talent. Even though AJ Preller does love his prospects, he sure isn’t afraid to trade them away for major league ready talent. He sent a MASSIVE package to the Washington Nationals in 2022, and then shipped Soto off for prospects a few months ago. If he thinks there is value to be had on the trade, market, Preller is willing to move those young pieces to get certified studs. The Padres aren’t looking amazing on paper, and it doesn’t help that they’re in the same division as the Shohei Ohtani/Mookie Betts/Freddie Freeman (I could keep on going) led Dodgers. Don’t forget the Diamondbacks, who are coming off of the NL Pennant title. If it’s any consolation for losing those prospects, it’s nice to see Preller once again going for it instead of rebuilding like other teams might after trading away one of the best players of our generation (Juan Soto).

The Padres left for South Korea last night, preparing to face the Dodgers for their Opening Day game in Seoul on March 20th. Cease was acquired a few hours before the flight left, so he’ll have to wait until he arrives in South Korea to meet his new teamates!

Hopefully the Cease trade gets Snell and Montgomery to sign soon, but the Padres didn’t appear to be serious contenders for either marquee free agent. Please Boras, let’s get this over with.