Free agent starting pitcher Dylan Cease has agreed to a seven-year, $210 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The agreement, pending medical review, further strengthens the Blue Jays, an already competitive team that has proven its worth in the American League.
The right-handed pitcher has alternated between dominant and less consistent seasons. In 2022 and 2024, Cease finished second and fourth in the Cy Young voting, respectively, with a 28-19 record and a 2.84 ERA. In 2023 and 2025, he had a 15-21 record with a 4.57 ERA. Cease is characterized by his vertical movement and a power approach based on his quick release and breaking balls. His slider, in particular, underperformed last season. However, Cease is coming off of recording his best career strikeout rate, with 29.8%, and an earned run average of 3.56, a slight improvement compared to his 2021-2024 average. These numbers, along with his age and the shortcomings of other available starters, made him one of the most attractive pitchers in free agency. Cease rejected the Padres’ $22.025 million qualifying offer, meaning San Diego will receive a compensatory pick in the draft after the fourth round. Originally recruited by the Chicago Cubs in 2014, Cease was traded to the Chicago White Sox in 2017 and subsequently acquired by the San Diego Padres in March 2024. In five years as a full-time opener from 2021 to 2025, Cease led the Major Leagues in strikeouts (1,106), but also in walks (361) and wild pitches (51).Cease has proven to be a consistent and valuable pitcher, with outstanding seasons and others in which he has shown ups and downs.
Alofoke Deportes
