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.

Last summer, with a middle-infield prospect crunch, Breslow traded infielder Nick Yorke to Pittsburgh for starter Quinn Priester, whom he then traded to Milwaukee for an outfield prospect and a draft pick after the first round, which the Red Sox used to net right-hander Marcus Phillips this year.

The MLB trade deadline is Thursday, and both the Cubs and the White Sox are expected to be wheeling and dealing. Why it matters: For the Cubs, it's about retooling for a playoff run. For the White Sox,