BREAKING: Toronto Blue Jays Sign Dylan Cease to 7-Year, $210 Million Contract

There are few teams, if any, under more pressure to have a successful offseason than the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays won their first pennant since 1993 and made it all the way to Game 7 of the World Series before ultimately falling in extra innings to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Toronto has been rumored to be a potential suitor and ideal destination for several marquee free agents, which has added to pressure for the club to make a big splash.

On Wednesday, the Blue Jays finally made a splash.

According to a report on "X" from ESPN's MLB insider Jeff Passan, Toronto signed free agent starting pitcher Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract ($30 million AAV).

Cease, a 29-year-old right-hander, was one of the best pitchers available in free agency and fills one of the most glaring holes on the Blue Jays' roster.

Three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer and one-time All-Star Chris Bassitt are both free agents and there's lingering questions where Jose Berrios will fit with the team after ending last season in the bullpen and on the injured list. Fellow starters Shane Bieber and Kevin Gausman will enter their last years under contract in 2026.

Cease, alongside 2024 Trey Yesavage (who made his major league debut in 2025), provide a foundation for the starting rotation.

Cease had a down 2025 with the San Diego Padres but had high strikeout numbers. He posted a 4.55 ERA with 215 strikeouts in 168 innings pitched across 32 starts. In 2024, Cease had a 3.47 ERA and fanned 224 batters across 189.1 innings pitched in 33 starts.

His 29.8% strikeout rate ranked in the 89th percentile of baseball, according to Baseball Savant. His 33.4% whiff rate ranked in the 95th percentile of the majors. His 215 strikeouts were tied for fourth in the National League and his strikeouts-per-nine-innings (11.5) led the NL.

Cease has some of the best strikeout numbers in the majors. If he, Yesavage, Bieber and Gausman are at their best in 2026, Toronto could boast one of the most dangerous starting rotations in the American League.

Now that the Blue Jays have found a quality starter, they can turn their attention to bringing in one of the top position players in free agency.

Shortstop Bo Bichette, who was one of the best hitters in the AL last year, is a free agent. Toronto has also been tied to All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker.

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