"I would listen on Xander Bogaerts, Dylan Cease, Luis Arraez" - MLB insider names Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis as Padres' only untouchables

The San Diego Padres are looking to shake up their roster for the upcoming 2025 campaign, and Dylan Cease is reportedly among the star players they could move out this offseason.

MLB insider Robert Murray thinks the Padres should be willing to entertain offers for the 28-year-old starting pitcher along with infielders Xander Bogaerts and Luis Arraez. He feels thata any player on their roster could be traded in the coming months except third baseman Manny Machado and outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr.

Robert Murray, an MLB insider for FanSided.com., gave his perspective on the potential trade moves for the San Diego Padres during the Baseball Insiders podcast on Thursday evening.

"If I was the Padres, I'd listen on Xander Bogaerts. I'd listen on Dylan Cease. I'd listen on Luis Arraez. I'd listen on all these players," he said. "Except for maybe Machado and Tatis, because I can't imagine any scenario in the world where either one of those two players gets traded.

"I don't think they're actively shopping any of these players, by any means," he added. "I think this is a case of listening. And another part of this that I want to keep in mind is that Bogaerts was a huge overpay in the moment. He has one of the worst contracts in baseball. How many teams are going to be in a hurry to accept that and try to get that contract on their books unless the Padres include multiple prospects in that deal?"

Xander Bogaerts had signed an 11-year, $280 million contract with the Padres at the end of the 2022 season. The former Boston Red Sox shortstop has struggled with injuries, while his offensive production and defensive efficiency have dropped considerably over the past two years.

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"That is something you should absolutely explore": Robert Murray on Padres trading away Dylan Cease

Dylan Cease pitched a no-hitter for the Padres this year (Image Source: Imagn)

Cease arrived at the start of the 2024 season from the Chicago White Sox. He had a solid season with a 14-11 record and 3.47 ERA and finished fourth in the National League Cy Young race.

Robert Murray feels that San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller should be willing to trade the right-handed starting pitcher this offseason.

"As far as a guy like Dylan Cease goes, I think he's a player that the Padres should absolutely continue to listen on," he said. "If you look at the starting pitching market now, especially seeing the prices that are out there and what you possibly end up getting for a guy like Dylan Cease, it absolutely warrants Preller and that front office listening on him.

"This is a market that you can really capitalize on in maximizing value," he added. "If you don't think you're going to re-sign Dylan Cease long-term, then I think that's something you absolutely explore. Also, his agent Scott Boras is not exactly known for doing extensions before reaching free agency."

Cease is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2025 campaign.