The Toronto Blue Jays have made the first major move of free agency, sending a clear message that after reaching the World Series and losing it, their only goal is to get back there-and this time avoid the heartbreaking ending we all witnessed. To do that, they’ve added to their rotation a pitcher who has recently flashed signs of his former dominance and who could find a second life in Canada.
It was no secret that one of Toronto’s weaknesses in the World Series was their starting pitching. Despite shining in the postseason, the Blue Jays are now doing everything possible to bolster the rotation and support an offense that was a threat all season long.
Dylan Cease and a massive contract with the Blue Jays
Dylan Cease was one of the biggest names available in free agency-the pitcher who was once among the most dominant in baseball with the San Diego Padres. The deal was first reported by Jon Heyman: seven years, $210 million, meaning Cease is officially off the free-agent market.
The Cubs originally drafted Cease in 2016, though he never pitched for them. He spent most of his career with their crosstown rivals, the Chicago White Sox, and from his 2019 debut through 2023 he posted five straight seasons with 214+ strikeouts.
He was traded to the Padres ahead of the 2024 season and, while he hasn’t been at his absolute best lately, his last two years in San Diego still produced a 4.03 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, roughly 220 strikeouts per year, and a .220 opponent batting average.
Cease now joins a Blue Jays team determined to return to the World Series with a rotation that already features Shane Bieber, young phenom Trey Yesavage, and a healthy José Berríos-immediately making Toronto a legitimate contender again.
Now it’s just a matter of seeing what other additions they can make to the roster.
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