The Toronto Blue Jays have shattered their franchise record for a free-agent signing, securing right-handed ace Dylan Cease with a monumental seven-year contract. The deal, confirmed by the team on Tuesday, is valued at $210 million (US).
A New Ace for the AL Champions
This landmark acquisition immediately transforms the Blue Jays' starting rotation as they look to build upon their 2025 American League championship. The 29-year-old Cease is projected to join a formidable starting staff that includes Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, rookie Trey Yesavage, and Jose Berrios. The move signals Toronto's aggressive intent to remain a World Series contender.
Cease, represented by super-agent Scott Boras, and Blue Jays General Manager Ross Atkins are scheduled to formally introduce the new pitcher at a press conference next week during the MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida.
Cease's Power Arm and Consistent Resume
The veteran pitcher brings a proven track record of durability and elite strikeout ability to Toronto. In the 2025 season with the San Diego Padres, Cease posted an 8-12 record with a 4.55 ERA. More impressively, he ranked sixth in the majors with 215 strikeouts and led all qualified pitchers with a dominant 33.4% whiff rate.
This past season marked the fifth consecutive year in which Cease made at least 32 starts and surpassed the 200-strikeout plateau. His career highlights include a runner-up finish for the 2022 AL Cy Young Award with the Chicago White Sox, where he went 14-8 with a stellar 2.20 ERA. He also placed fourth in Cy Young voting in 2024.
Historic Contract in Jays' Annals
Cease's $210 million pact eclipses the previous high for a Blue Jays free agent, the $150 million, six-year deal given to George Springer in 2021. It stands as the largest commitment to an external free agent in club history.
The overall richest contract in franchise history remains the $500 million, 14-year extension signed by cornerstone first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in April of 2025.
Cease was widely regarded as one of the premier starting pitchers available this offseason. His decision to join the Blue Jays adds a critical piece to a team fresh off winning its first AL East title since 2015. Toronto's memorable 2025 playoff run included series victories over the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners before a heartbreaking seven-game defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.
The Blue Jays will begin their 2026 campaign, now featuring their new ace, at home against the Oakland Athletics on March 26.
