BREAKING: Free agent starting pitcher Dylan Cease has just signed a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The deal is pending a physical and marks a significant boost for the Blue Jays, who recently clinched the American League pennant and reached the World Series, ultimately falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7.
Cease, 29, is coming off a season where he showcased his potential as a front-line starter. Over the last five seasons, he has consistently made at least 32 starts and ranks fourth in pitcher WAR during that timeframe. Notably, he finished second and fourth in Cy Young voting in 2022 and 2024, respectively, compiling a record of 28-19 with a 2.84 ERA.
Despite experiencing ups and downs, Cease’s performance remains compelling. He recently achieved a career-best strikeout rate of 29.8% and displayed a fielding independent pitching score of 3.56, indicating solid performance metrics. However, his slider, once a top asset, saw a decline, allowing hitters to post a .374 slugging percentage against it in 2025.
This new contract comes after Cease declined a $22.025 million qualifying offer from the San Diego Padres, setting the stage for his move to Toronto. With San Diego now set to receive a compensatory draft pick, the trade dynamics are shifting significantly in the Major League Baseball landscape.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this major acquisition will impact the Blue Jays as they gear up for the upcoming season, aiming to capitalize on their recent success. The urgency surrounding this deal demonstrates Cease’s appeal as one of the top pitchers available, especially given the current deficiencies in the starting pitcher market.
As the Blue Jays continue to strengthen their roster, all eyes will be on how Cease integrates into their pitching staff and contributes to their championship aspirations. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as the baseball world reacts to this groundbreaking signing.
