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Dylan Cease has found a new home with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The accomplished right-handed pitcher has inked a seven-year deal worth $210 million, as reported by Jon Heyman of The Post on Wednesday.
With this significant signing, Cease becomes the first major free-agent pitcher to secure a contract this offseason, setting the stage for others in the market.
Though Cease had a mixed performance in the 2025 season, he has previously demonstrated the potential to be among the elite starting pitchers in the league.
During his 32 starts last season, Cease recorded a 4.55 ERA, but also led the majors by striking out an impressive 11.5 batters per nine innings.
Before the July trade deadline, the Padres reportedly shopped the pending free agent around, but opted to hang onto him for the stretch run.
Cease has twice finished in the top-five in the Cy Young voting, including a dominant 2022 season during which he posted a 2.20 ERA for the White Sox.
The move bolsters a Toronto starting rotation that’s coming off a World Series run.
The Cease addition likely spells the departure of starters Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer, who are both also free agents this winter.