An MLB insider expects San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller to act with a sense of urgency at the trade deadline.

Two years after their payroll peaked, the San Diego Padres' financial outlook remains a source of fascination to people within Major League Baseball leading up to the July 31 trade deadline.

The Padres acquired King in the blockbuster Juan Soto trade with the New York Yankees before the 2024 season, and he has flourished in San Diego—making Cease an expendable asset. Over 41 appearances with the Padres, King has compiled a 2.86 ERA, a 17–11 record, and 265 strikeouts over 229.1 innings.