BREAKING: The Toronto Blue Jays have just announced a monumental seven-year, $210 million deal with free agent starting pitcher Dylan Cease, according to sources from ESPN’s Jeff Passan. This deal, pending a physical, adds significant firepower to a team that recently advanced to the World Series, only to fall to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a dramatic Game 7.
Cease, 29, has been a formidable presence on the mound, making at least 32 starts each season for the past five years. He has consistently ranked among the top pitchers in the league, placing fourth in pitcher WAR during that span, outperforming notable names like Tarik Skubal and Max Fried.
Over recent seasons, Cease has shown both brilliance and inconsistency. He finished second in Cy Young voting in 2022 and fourth in 2024, compiling a record of 28-19 with a stellar 2.84 ERA. However, his performance dipped in 2023 and 2025, where he recorded a 15-21 record and a 4.57 ERA. Despite this, his recent career-high strikeout rate of 29.8% highlights his potential impact for the Blue Jays.
The Blue Jays, bolstered by this acquisition, are poised to become even more competitive in the league. Cease’s unique pitching style, characterized by a fastball-slider-heavy approach, has made him one of the most coveted arms in this offseason’s free agent market. His elevated walk rate is offset by a substantial whiff rate, making him a polarizing yet attractive addition for the Blue Jays.
Cease previously declined a $22.025 million qualifying offer from the San Diego Padres before signing with Toronto. As a result, San Diego will receive a compensatory draft pick after the fourth round.
Originally drafted in the sixth round by the Chicago Cubs in 2014, Cease was traded to the Chicago White Sox in a blockbuster deal involving José Quintana. He later moved to the Padres in March 2024, further showcasing his journey through Major League Baseball.
As the Blue Jays gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Cease as he aims to solidify his role as a top-tier pitcher in a high-stakes environment. This deal not only marks a significant investment for the franchise but also sets the stage for a thrilling 2025 season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this pivotal signing will influence the Blue Jays’ quest for a championship.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.