The San Diego Padres are running out of time to replace Dylan Cease, their starter who left in free agency, as the offseason draws to a close and Spring Training approaches. But with the time they have left, there may be a single move that can take his place.
Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report suggests that the Padres negotiate with the Boston Red Sox and get Brayan Bello, their standout ace. Bello, who has a cost-effective contract, has excelled in the 2025 campaign.
The Padres are the ideal team for Bello because they need a No. 3 in 2026 to back up Nick Pivetta and Michael King. They also need to relieve pressure on Joe Musgrove, who missed the whole 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery. Additionally, Bello would provide the Padres with some rotational stability going forward, which would probably appeal to A.J. Preller, president of baseball operations, given that King and Pivetta have the option to opt out and become free agents following the 2026 season, Kelly wrote.
Bello had an 11-9 record, a 3.35 ERA, 124 Ks, and a 1.236 WHIP across 166 innings worked during the previous season. He had a breakthrough season and was among the best pitchers in baseball for a good chunk of the season.
He would also be economical, as was already mentioned. He is currently in the third year of a $55 million, six-year contract with a 2030 club option, which may be very beneficial for the Padres, who are a cost-conscious team.
The Padres’ time is running out, so hopefully they will take this trade into consideration.
