But, in an update from USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Padres' plans surrounding Cease got an interesting update. While the rumors only started within the last week, Nightengale revealed the Padres have been exploring trades for much longer.

The San Diego Padres might consider trading Dylan Cease at the trade deadline, and the Chicago Cubs could emerge as the best landing spot for a deal.

Subtracting Cease would create a large hole in a rotation that has struggled at times, but could give A.J. Preller the trade chips his own system lacks.