Padres Reportedly Eyeing $61M All-Star Pitcher to Replace Dylan Cease

San Diego looks to bolster rotation with former Cy Young candidate Lucas Giolito.

Mar. 1, 2026 at 10:47pm

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The San Diego Padres are reportedly interested in signing free agent pitcher Lucas Giolito to replace Dylan Cease, who left the team in free agency. Giolito, a former All-Star and Cy Young candidate, is projected to receive a 3-year, $61 million contract, but his market has been slow to develop, potentially allowing the Padres to acquire him at a discount.

Why it matters

The Padres have already made several moves to improve their pitching staff this offseason, but adding an experienced arm like Giolito could further solidify their rotation and help them compete in the tough NL West division.

The details

Giolito, 31, had a strong 2025 season, going 10-4 with a 3.41 ERA, 121 strikeouts, and a 1.290 WHIP over 145 innings pitched. He would likely slot in as the Padres' new ace, replacing the departed Dylan Cease. The Padres have already signed pitchers Griffin Canning, Walker Buehler, and German Marquez this offseason, but Giolito would provide an additional top-of-the-rotation arm.

  • Giolito finished the 2025 MLB season with his strong performance.
  • The Padres are looking to sign Giolito ahead of the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Lucas Giolito

A 31-year-old right-handed pitcher who is a former MLB All-Star and Cy Young candidate.

Dylan Cease

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

A.J. Preller

The general manager of the San Diego Padres who has been active in improving the team's pitching staff this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“The Padres have already signed Griffin Canning, Walker Buehler and German Marquez, but Giolito is in a different category. He adds a potential top-half-of-the-rotation arm to the mix with nine seasons of experience. He would further bolster a rotation that team executive A.J. Preller has set out to improve this winter. Does Preller have the funds necessary to get a deal done? We'll see. He was creative in structuring Nick Pivetta's deal last winter. Who says he can't do it again? If he does, Giolito would be the cherry on top of an impressive offseason yet again for Preller and Co. despite financial constraints.”

— Robert Murray, FanSided Writer (FanSided)

What’s next

The Padres will need to determine if they have the financial flexibility to sign Giolito to a 3-year, $61 million contract, and they will need to outbid any other teams that may be interested in the veteran pitcher.

The takeaway

The Padres are being proactive in addressing their pitching needs this offseason, and the potential addition of Giolito would further solidify their rotation as they look to compete in the tough NL West division.