A top National League team is reportedly keeping an eye on the Philadelphia Phillies as trade rumors surrounding a potential star player heat up. With Opening Day 2025 just around the corner, MLB rosters are nearly set, but that doesn’t mean player movement is done. The trade buzz will continue until the deadline, and recent rumors link the Phillies to former Cy Young finalist Dylan Cease.

Cease, a right-handed pitcher for the San Diego Padres, is reportedly a trade target as he enters his contract year. While Jon Heyman of the New York Post recently stated that the Padres are unlikely to trade Cease due to their optimistic outlook, they’ve still been scouting potential trade partners.

Sports Illustrated’s Pat Ragazzo reported that the Padres have been scouting the Phillies among other teams, including the Mets, Yankees, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Orioles, Rays, and Cubs, as Cease trade rumors continue to swirl. According to Ragazzo, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is always looking to strengthen the team and could offer several top prospects in a trade for Cease, benefiting both the Padres in the short- and long-term.

Cease, a former sixth-round draft pick by the Chicago Cubs, has been one of the league’s top pitchers since 2022, posting a 35-28 record, a 3.40 ERA, and averaging 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings over 98 starts. He has finished in the top four of Cy Young voting twice, including as the runner-up in 2022.

If Cease were added to the Phillies’ already strong pitching rotation, it could mean one current starter would be moved out. With Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Cristopher Sanchez likely staying, and Jesus Luzardo likely safe after joining this offseason, Ranger Suarez—on an expiring contract—could be the odd man out.

Even if a trade isn’t imminent, Phillies fans should stay alert for Cease’s potential move. The Padres could change their stance as the July 31 trade deadline approaches, especially if their playoff hopes fade and they choose not to re-sign Cease. The Phillies will play two three-game series against the Padres in late June and early July, giving Philly fans a chance to see Cease in action up close.