**New York Mets Sign Star Pitcher Dylan Cease from San Diego Padres**

**New York Mets Sign Star Pitcher Dylan Cease from San Diego Padres**

**January 31, 2025 – New York, NY**

In a major move that sent shockwaves through the MLB offseason, the New York Mets have announced the signing of star pitcher Dylan Cease from the San Diego Padres. The deal, worth a reported $125 million over five years, brings one of the league’s most dominant pitchers to the Big Apple in an effort to bolster the Mets’ rotation as they seek to make a deep postseason run in 2025.

Cease, 28, has emerged as one of baseball’s top pitchers over the past few seasons. After being drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2014 and eventually traded to the Padres in 2023, Cease quickly established himself as an elite arm with a fastball that routinely reaches the high 90s and an array of off-speed pitches that make him a nightmare for hitters. In 2024, Cease finished the season with a 2.76 ERA, 12.3 strikeouts per nine innings, and a WHIP of 1.12, earning his second consecutive All-Star selection.

Mets General Manager Billy Eppler expressed his excitement about adding Cease to a starting rotation that already includes talented arms like Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. “Dylan is an absolute game-changer. His ability to dominate hitters, especially in high-leverage situations, will give us a significant edge in the postseason. We believe this move strengthens our rotation and helps position us for sustained success,” Eppler said in a statement.

Cease’s acquisition is part of the Mets’ broader strategy to contend for a World Series title in 2025. After a disappointing end to the 2024 season, where they fell short of a playoff berth despite a strong start, the Mets have been aggressive in the free-agent market this offseason. The signing of Cease complements previous moves, including the acquisition of key position players and bolstering the bullpen.

For Cease, the move represents a new chapter in his career. While he enjoyed success in San Diego, his decision to sign with the Mets was driven by the team’s competitive window and their commitment to winning. “I’m excited to join such a passionate and dedicated organization,” Cease said in an introductory press conference. “The Mets are a team that’s hungry for a championship, and I’m ready to help lead this group to that ultimate goal.”

The Mets’ pitching staff now boasts a formidable mix of experience and youth, with Cease joining veterans like Scherzer and Verlander, as well as younger stars such as David Peterson and Tylor Megill. With the addition of Cease, the Mets appear poised to have one of the most dominant rotations in the National League, giving them a strong foundation to build upon as they aim to contend for the NL East crown.

In San Diego, the departure of Cease is a significant blow to the Padres’ rotation. While the Padres are still expected to be competitive in 2025 with ace Yu Darvish leading the charge, losing Cease leaves a notable void. The Padres have yet to comment on how they plan to fill that gap, but rumors are swirling that they could be active in the trade market as Opening Day approaches.

Cease’s signing with the Mets is expected to have a major impact on the National League landscape as teams prepare for the 2025 season. With an already competitive roster, the Mets have firmly established themselves as one of the favorites to challenge for the World Series, and Cease’s addition could be the key to unlocking their championship aspirations.

Fans in Queens are already buzzing with anticipation as the Mets prepare for what promises to be an exciting and pivotal season.