Buster Olney of ESPN reported that starting pitcher Dylan Cease could be available at the MLB trade deadline. San Diego is open to moving its All-Star pitcher, especially in a market thin on front-line starters. In return, the Padres want MLB talent who can help them win in October.

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.