The Toronto Blue Jays have signed free-agent right-hander Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million deal, bolstering their rotation after a World Series loss. The agreement, reported on Wednesday, includes some deferrals and marks the first nine-figure free-agent contract of the offseason. Cease, previously with the San Diego Padres, joins a strong pitching staff featuring Shane Bieber, José Berríos, Kevin Gausman, and Trey Yesavage.
The Toronto Blue Jays made a significant move in free agency by acquiring starting pitcher Dylan Cease, addressing a key need in their rotation following their 2025 World Series appearance. According to multiple reports, including those from ESPN's Jeff Passan and MLB Network's Jon Heyman, Cease agreed to the seven-year contract worth $210 million on Wednesday evening, just before Thanksgiving.
Cease, who spent the last two seasons with the San Diego Padres, becomes the top free-agent pitcher off the board. The deal is seen as a commitment to contention, especially after the Blue Jays lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games in the World Series. With this signing, Toronto's rotation is now considered one of the best in baseball, locking in Cease alongside established arms like Shane Bieber, José Berríos, Kevin Gausman, and prospect Trey Yesavage.
The contract includes deferrals, a strategy reminiscent of the Los Angeles Dodgers' approach. For the Padres, the move leaves their starting pitching options limited, with Michael King as a potential re-sign target but slim chances. Analysts note that Cease's deal could influence the market for other pitchers, such as Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal.
Blue Jays officials have indicated aggression this offseason, and this signing aligns with their goal to build on recent momentum. Next priorities may include retaining infielder Bo Bichette, highlighted as the team's top free-agent target.