Padres Reportedly Eyeing $55 Million Ace Brayan Bello in Trade

The Boston Red Sox rising star could be the answer to replace Dylan Cease in San Diego's rotation.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The San Diego Padres are reportedly exploring a trade with the Boston Red Sox to acquire starting pitcher Brayan Bello, a 26-year-old right-hander coming off a breakout 2025 season. Bello, who is under a team-friendly 6-year, $55 million contract, could provide long-term stability to the Padres' rotation as they look to replace the departed Dylan Cease.

Why it matters

The Padres are in need of a reliable starter to slot in behind aces Michael King and Nick Pivetta, especially with Joe Musgrove returning from Tommy John surgery. Acquiring the cost-controlled Bello could be a savvy move to solidify their rotation without breaking the bank.

The details

According to the report, Bello posted an 11-9 record with a 3.35 ERA, 124 strikeouts, and a 1.236 WHIP over 166 innings pitched in 2025, emerging as one of the better young pitchers in baseball. The Padres are viewed as an ideal landing spot for Bello, who could thrive in their pitcher-friendly ballpark and take pressure off the rest of the staff.

  • The Padres are running out of time this offseason to replace Dylan Cease, who left in free agency.
  • Bello is currently in the third year of a 6-year, $55 million contract with the Red Sox.

The players

Brayan Bello

A 26-year-old right-handed starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox who is coming off a breakout 2025 season.

Dylan Cease

The starting pitcher who left the Padres in free agency this offseason.

Michael King

One of the Padres' top starting pitchers.

Nick Pivetta

One of the Padres' top starting pitchers.

Joe Musgrove

The Padres' starting pitcher who is returning from Tommy John surgery.

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What they’re saying

“The Padres are the exact type of team that makes sense for Bello because they need a No. 3 for 2026 to go behind Michael King and Nick Pivetta, while also alleviating pressure on Joe Musgrove in his return after missing all of 2025 recovering from Tommy John surgery. Bello also would give the Padres some long-term stability in their rotation, which would likely be appealing to president of baseball operations A.J. Preller considering both King and Pivetta can opt out and become free agents after the 2026 campaign.”

— Tim Kelly, Bleacher Report Writer (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The Padres will need to negotiate a trade package with the Red Sox to acquire Brayan Bello before the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Acquiring the cost-controlled Brayan Bello could be a savvy move for the Padres to solidify their starting rotation without breaking the bank, as they look to replace the departed Dylan Cease and support their returning ace Joe Musgrove.