Dylan Cease Signs a Million-Dollar Contract with the Blue Jays
Free agent starting pitcher Dylan Cease has reached a seven-year, $210 million agreement with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to sources close to the negotiation. The deal, subject to a physical examination, further strengthens an already competitive team that has proven its worth in the American League. Cease, who will turn 30 next month, has been a reliable pitcher in the starting rotation for the last five seasons, excelling in key statistics.
In 2022 and 2024, Cease finished second and fourth in the Cy Young voting, respectively, with a record of 28-19 and an ERA of 2.84. In 2023 and 2025, his performance was 15-21 with an ERA of 4.57. Cease utilizes a vertical movement thanks to his high release, a strategy focused on speed and curves (at least 80% fastballs/sliders to both right-handed and left-handed hitters) and, on occasion, a high percentage of walks, along with a high percentage of strikeouts. His slider, in particular, saw its performance decline last season, going from being the most valuable in the game by runs above average in 2024 to opposing hitters batting .374 against it in 2025. However, Cease is coming off of recording a career-high strikeout rate of 29.8% and posting a fielding independent pitching score of 3.56, a slight improvement compared to his 2021-2024 average. These statistics, along with his age and the deficiencies of other available starters, made him one of the most attractive pitchers in free agency. Cease rejected a qualifying offer of $22.025 million from the Padres before the November 18 deadline. Because he signed with a new team, San Diego will receive a compensatory pick in the draft after the fourth round. Originally selected by the Chicago Cubs in the sixth round of the 2014 draft, Cease came to the Chicago White Sox in a trade in 2017. Subsequently, he was acquired by the San Diego Padres in March 2024.The right-handed pitcher has had dominant seasons alternated with less outstanding ones.
