With limited payroll flexibility and less prospect capital than a year ago, the Padres could opt to move one of the pitchers.

Dylan Cease remains a part of the Padres starting rotation. Moreover, the team acquired left-hander Nestor Cortes from the Brewers just before Thursday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline.

“Similarly, the Red Sox have signaled interest in Dylan Cease, who would be a rental," McAdam wrote. "The Padres, in their never-ending quest to acquire Duran, proposed a package involving Cease, catching prospect Ethan Salas and another prospect (not shortstop Leo de Vries) for Duran, which was quickly rejected."