The Padres face a stark winter choice: re-sign Dylan Cease or Michael King, two arms who would anchor the rotation but both hit the open market. Cease is the marquee name, even as he posted a 4.81 ERA this year, thanks to durability and Cy Young upside that tempts teams like Toronto. King is elite when healthy but has battled injuries, making the decision a delicate balance of ceiling and risk.

Toronto’s interest in Cease adds a dramatic twist, with Mitch Bannon linking him to the Blue Jays as they pursue Bieber, Scherzer or Bassitt and fellow starters Mahle and Kelly. Either Padres ace could redefine the Jays’ rotation while also reshaping San Diego’s long-term plans.