The Toronto Blue Jays officially announced Dylan Cease in a news conference on Tuesday, confirming the starter’s seven-year $210 million deal with the club. The Blue Jays, taking a page out of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ book, have deferred $64 million of Cease’s salary that can be payable through the 2046 season.
Cease joins the likes of Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, Kevin Gausman and Jose Berrios in the Blue Jays rotation. He pitched 8-12 with a 4.55 ERA in 32 starts this past season. Playing for the San Diego Padres, he led the National League pitchers with a 29.8% strikeout-rate.
Speaking during the presser, Cease accepted that one of his motivations for joining the organization was their recent success, having made it to the World Series.
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“Yeah, the biggest part really was being able to be a part of the championship team,” Cease said. “And obviously with the run last year, they proved that they have championship-caliber players and obviously a good process. So, that was probably the number one thing.
“And then from there it was also how would they help me maximize and develop and basically reach my potential more often. That was important for me. So, that was probably the second biggest consideration. And I mean, it seemed from the get-go that it was going to be pretty inevitable.
Cease has been one of the most reliable starters in the league in this particular decade. In all five full seasons, he has recorded at least 32 starts. He leads the MLB with 1,106 strikeouts in that span, while his WAR stands as the fourth-highest behind Tarik Skubal, Max Fried and Framber Valdez.
Dylan Cease wants to be regarded as a “steal” at the end of contract
Speaking during an appearance on Foul Territory TV on Tuesday, Dylan Cease admitted that he was satisfied with the Blue Jays’ development pitch that they made to him.
“I’ve always had the talent,” Cease added. “I’ve shown it at different times and spurts of some greatness, but inconsistency and not always the most consistent command has been what’s holding me back. So, I want to develop, whether it’s learning a changeup or learning a new pitch or sequencing or whatever it is.
“I’m very open-minded to learning. And yeah, ultimately, at the end of the seven years, I want the Blue Jays to feel like they got a steal.”
The 29-year-old’s inconsistencies are well documented, with the former Chicago White Sox and San Diego Padres having had alternately decent seasons. In 2022 and 2024, he went 28-19 with a 2.84 ERA, while in 2023 and 2025, he managed only a 15-21 with a 4.57 ERA.
Edited by R. Nikhil Parshy