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. The news, which is still subject to a physical review, was confirmed by sources close to the negotiation. This agreement represents a significant reinforcement for the Blue Jays, who seek to consolidate their position in the American League and aim for the top. Cease, known for his consistency on the mound, has been a key piece in the rotations of the teams he has played for. Cease, who will turn 30 next month, has proven to be a reliable starter over the last five seasons, ranking among the best in terms of WAR for pitchers.
His slider, in particular, underperformed last season, but Cease is still coming off a career-best 29.8% strikeout rate and a 3.56 ERA, a slight improvement compared to his 2021-2024 average.
These numbers, combined with his age and the needs of other teams for starters, made him one of the most coveted pitchers in free agency. Cease rejected the Padres’ $22.025 million qualifying offer, which gives San Diego a compensatory pick in the draft after the fourth round. Selected in the sixth round by the Chicago Cubs in 2014, Cease arrived at the Chicago White Sox in a trade involving Eloy Jiménez in 2017 and was then acquired by the San Diego Padres in March 2024. In his five years as a starting opener from 2021 to 2025, Cease led the Major Leagues in strikeouts (1,106), but also in walks (361) and wild pitches (51).
