Blue Jays Secure Dylan Cease on 7-Year, $210 Million Deal
The Toronto Blue Jays have substantially bolstered their pitching rotation, agreeing to a 7-year contract with free agent Dylan Cease. The deal, facilitated by the Boras Corporation, guarantees Cease $210 million, though a portion of the payments will be deferred, effectively lowering Toronto’s annual taxable value from $30 million to approximately $26 million.
this signing marks the largest free agent contract in Blue Jays history, surpassing the previous record of $150 million over six years given to George Springer.
cease, 29, enters free agency following a 2025 season where he posted a 4.55 ERA. However, his overall performance remains strong, characterized by a high workload, impressive strikeout numbers, and a diverse pitch arsenal featuring fastballs, sliders, knuckle curves, and changeups.
Since making his Major League debut in 2019, Cease has demonstrated remarkable durability, missing significant time only due to a brief COVID-19 related absence in 2021. He made 12 starts in the shortened 2020 season and has made at least 32 starts in every subsequent year.He leads all Major League pitchers with 174 starts since the beginning of the 2020 season, ranking ninth in total innings pitched over that same period.
From 2020-2025, Cease maintained a 3.88 ERA, accompanied by a 9.9% walk rate and a strong 28.9% strikeout rate, with a 14.4% swing-and-miss rate. While his ERA has increased in recent seasons (2023 and 2025), his other key metrics have remained consistent. He was recognized as the second-best pitcher in the American League at the conclusion of the 2022 season, finishing with a 2.20 ERA and narrowly missing the Cy Young Award, which was ultimately awarded to Justin Verlander.
Cease will join a Blue Jays starting rotation that already includes Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, and Jose Berrios. Eric Lauer, Ricky Tiedemann, and Bowden Francis provide additional depth.
