Dylan Cease Signs Urgent 7-Year, $210M Deal with Blue Jays
BREAKING: Free agent starting pitcher Dylan Cease has just reached a groundbreaking seven-year, $210 million agreement with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to sources from ESPN’s Jeff Passan. This deal, pending a physical, is set to significantly bolster the Blue Jays’ already formidable roster, which recently clinched the American League pennant and advanced to the World Series, where they faced the Los Angeles Dodgers in a dramatic Game 7.
Cease, 29, has established himself as a reliable front-line starter over the past five seasons, making at least 32 starts each year. His performance has kept him among the elite, ranking fourth in pitcher WAR during that span, surpassing noted players like Tarik Skubal and Max Fried. This latest contract marks a significant moment for Cease, who has fluctuated between seasons of dominance and inconsistency—finishing second and fourth in Cy Young voting in 2022 and 2024, respectively.
In the previous two years, Cease recorded a 28-19 record with a 2.84 ERA. However, his recent seasons have seen struggles, going 15-21 with a 4.57 ERA in 2023 and 2025. Despite these ups and downs, he posted a career-high strikeout rate of 29.8% last season, alongside a fielding independent pitching score of 3.56, showcasing his potential to deliver high-level performance.
The urgency of this signing cannot be overstated as the Blue Jays look to strengthen their chances for the upcoming season. Cease’s unique pitching style, characterized by a fastball-slider heavy approach, makes him an intriguing addition to the rotation. While his slider experienced a decline last year, his overall strikeout capabilities make him one of the most sought-after pitchers in this free agency period.
Cease previously declined a $22.025 million qualifying offer from the San Diego Padres before this deal, which means the Padres will receive a compensatory draft pick after the fourth round as a result of his signing with a new team. Originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2014, Cease was later traded to the Chicago White Sox alongside Eloy Jimenez in a deal headlined by Jose Quintana.
As the 2025 MLB season approaches, all eyes will be on how this major signing impacts the Blue Jays and Cease’s performance on the mound. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the team will leverage this new talent to contend for the championship after last season’s near miss.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Blue Jays prepare for what could be a transformative season ahead.
