Dylan Cease Joins Blue Jays on Record $210 Million, Seven-Year Contract

Dylan Cease, 29, has reportedly agreed to a seven-year, $210 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, pending a physical. This marks the largest free-agent contract in Blue Jays history. Cease joins a formidable rotation including Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber. In 2025, with the Padres, he posted an 8-12 record with a 4.55 ERA over 32 starts, striking out 215 batters and walking 71 in 168 innings. Despite a high walk rate, he has consistently made 30+ starts and recorded 200+ strikeouts in each of the last five seasons, with Cy Young finishes in 2022 (2nd) and 2024 (4th). His 97 mph fastball and devastating slider (44.2% whiff rate in 2025) are key assets. The Blue Jays, a 2025 World Series team, are betting on his upside.