The Athletic's Dennis Lin writes that the San Diego Padres' four-year, $55 million deal with right-hander Nick Pivetta could increase the chances that the team retains right-hander Dylan Case, at least through the end of spring training.

Rumors have swirled all winter about the Padres trading a starting pitcher such as Dylan Cease or Michael King. Yesterday, they added to the rotation by agreeing to a deal with Nick Pivetta.

"Getting [Nick] Pivetta , for example, could free up the Padres to move either Dylan Cease or Michael King, both right-handers set to hit free agency after this season," Passan re