Having a strikeout pitcher in the playoffs sets your team up for success, and if Cease can continue his hot streak (two or less earned runs and nine or more strikeouts in three of his last four starts), the Padres will be even more built for a playoff run.

USA Today’s Bob Nigthengale said San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dylan Cease is the second-best pitcher on the market behind Miami Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara and revealed the likelihood that the Padres actually trade Cease.

The Astros were sniffing around the Dylan Cease market at the trade deadline, but there is one player they refused to give the Padres.