Blue Jays Ink Pitcher Dylan Cease to Seven-Year Contract
TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a seven-year contract with right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease, according to reports, substantially bolstering their starting rotation ahead of the 2025 season. The deal positions the blue Jays firmly into luxury tax territory for the foreseeable future.
Cease, who rejected a qualifying offer from the San Diego Padres, brings a high-velocity fastball and strikeout potential to a Blue Jays team aiming to contend in the American League East. he posted a 3.24 ERA with a 214 strikeouts over 183 innings pitched for the Padres and White Sox in 2023.
Financial details of the contract are still emerging, but RosterResource projected the Blue Jays’ 2026 payroll around $232 million, with a luxury tax number near the $244 million base threshold. the actual figures will depend on payment and deferral structures. The contract’s average annual value determines the luxury tax impact, while deferrals will reduce the actual cash outlay.
The Blue Jays are now expected to exceed the $264 million first surcharge tier, triggering a 30% tax on overages between $237 million and $264 million, 42% between $264 million and $284 million, 75% between $284 million and $304 million, and 90% on any further spending. The Cease deal itself is estimated to incur between $6 million and $10 million in tax commitments.
Toronto’s offseason plans likely aren’t finished. The team has been linked to free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker and is expected to pursue a reunion with shortstop Bo Bichette. They are also seeking to add late-inning bullpen help, possibly a closer to complement current reliever Jeff hoffman.
As compensation for signing a qualified free agent, the Blue Jays will forfeit their second- and fifth-highest selections in the 2026 draft, along with $1 million from their 2027 international bonus pool. San Diego, also a luxury tax payer, will receive a selection after the fourth round in the 2025 draft, and potentially another if Michael King signs elsewhere.
