BREAKING NEWS: Free agent starting pitcher Dylan Cease has just reached a blockbuster seven-year, $210 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Jeff Passan today. This significant move comes as the Blue Jays bolster their roster following a strong season where they clinched the American League pennant and advanced to the World Series, ultimately falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a decisive Game 7.
The deal is pending a physical, but it positions the Blue Jays as an even more formidable contender in the 2025 MLB season. At just 29 years old, Cease has consistently showcased his talent, making at least 32 starts each season for the past five years. He ranks fourth in pitcher WAR during this span, surpassing notable names like Tarik Skubal and Max Fried.
Cease’s performance has been a rollercoaster, alternating between standout seasons and disappointing stretches. He finished second in the Cy Young voting in 2022 and fourth in 2024, boasting a combined record of 28-19 with an impressive 2.84 ERA. However, his performance dipped in 2023 and 2025, with a record of 15-21 and a higher 4.57 ERA.
Despite fluctuations in his game, Cease’s potential remains undeniable. He recently achieved a career-high strikeout rate of 29.8% and posted a fielding independent pitching score of 3.56, showing slight improvement from previous years. His ability to dominate batters, combined with his age and the scarcity of top-tier pitchers available, made him one of the most coveted free agents this offseason.
Cease declined a $22.025 million qualifying offer from the San Diego Padres before the November 18 deadline, ensuring that the Padres will receive a compensatory draft pick after the fourth round due to this signing. Originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2014, Cease made a name for himself after being traded to the Chicago White Sox in a deal headlined by Jose Quintana and later acquired by the Padres in 2024.
In his five years as a full-time starter from 2021 to 2025, Cease led the majors with 1,106 strikeouts, though he also topped the charts in walks and wild pitches. This new contract not only signifies the Blue Jays’ commitment to winning but also highlights Cease’s potential to elevate their pitching staff.
As the MLB offseason progresses, fans and analysts will be closely watching how this deal affects the Blue Jays’ strategy moving forward. With Cease now in the fold, the team aims to reclaim the championship title that narrowly eluded them last season. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
