A.J. Preller is finding traction amid a low-transaction offseason that seems to have been complicated by a budget crunch. Start with Friday’s breakthrough: the arbitration-avoiding, one-year contract reached between Preller and Padres co-ace Michael King.

The Mets explored a trade for Dylan Cease, but the Padres’ high asking price makes a deal unlikely as talks hit a standstill.

The Minnesota Twins have discussed a Dylan Cease trade and more details have emerged regarding potential ways to get it done.