Blue Jays make $210M splash after World Series – Sports News
The Toronto Blue Jays are set to signal free agent right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract, aiming to strengthen their already formidable rotation. The 29-year-old spent the 2025 season with the San Diego Padres, ending with a 4.55 ERA in 168.0 innings.
Despite lacking beginning pitcher Jose Berrios and having Chris Bassitt pitch from the bullpen, the Blue Jays misplaced to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a grueling seven-game World Series. After inking the deal, first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Cease — who got here second within the 2022 American League Cy Young race whereas with the Chicago White Sox — is predicted to affix the 2026 Toronto rotation alongside Kevin Gausman, playoff breakout Trey Yesavage, Berrios, and Shane Bieber.
Despite his peripheral stats remaining comparable, Cease’s ERA shot up to 4.55 in 2025, a vital increase from 3.47 in 2024. His 3.46 xERA and three.56 FIP (fielding impartial pitching) barely elevated from his 3.31 and three.10 marks in 2024, respectively.
Always recognized for his strikeouts, the 29-year-old with a killer curveball had a 15.6 p.c swinging-strike price in 2025, rating second in MLB, simply behind American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.
Cease’s deal is the second-largest in staff historical past, solely surpassed by the $500 million extension signed by first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. earlier in 2025. If he returns to the Blue Jays, present free agent shortstop Bo Bichette might surpass Cease’s contract.
The right-handed participant has an spectacular profession file, with a 10.9 strikeout/9 ratio. He began his journey as a prospect with the Chicago Cubs earlier than being traded to the White Sox within the 2017 Jose Quintana deal.
Despite his inconsistent efficiency — Cease was distinctive in 2022 and 2024 (securing a spot within the prime 5 of Cy Young voting each occasions) however struggled in 2023 and 2025 — he is maintained his place as one of baseball’s most dependable starters. For the previous 5 seasons, he is constantly made at the very least 32 begins and pitched 165.2 innings.
In the 2023 offseason, Cease was traded from the rebuilding Sox to the Padres in a bundle that included Drew Thorpe, who had been acquired by San Diego simply months earlier within the Juan Soto commerce.
The Blue Jays are on the verge of dropping each Bassitt and Max Scherzer to free company. Ace Kevin Gausman just lately accomplished the fourth yr of a five-year contract with the franchise.
The staff may look to free company to bolster its lineup. Along with re-signing Bichette, Toronto is rumored to be serious about star outfielder Kyle Tucker.
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