Toronto Blue Jays Land Ace in 2026 Free Agenc

The Toronto Blue Jays have a lot of intriguing options to help their team improve after losing in Game 7 of the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers. It appears that they had their target and quickly attacked, as they have signed one of the top starting pitchers in the 2026 MLB Free Agency class. Let’s take a deeper dive to discuss who it is and what the contract looks like.

Toronto Blue Jays Sign Dylan Cease

The Toronto Blue Jays have made the first major splash of the 2026 MLB Free Agency period as they have reportedly signed starting pitcher Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract, per Jon Heyman.

Cease had a down season with the San Diego Padres as the 29-year-old finished going 8-12 with a 4.55 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP in 168.0 innings over 32 starts. The Blue Jays had to give a longer contract than they probably would have wanted, given he will be 30 years old before Spring Training, but this helps solidify their starting rotation.

With a projected starting rotation of Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, and Shane Bieber, the Toronto Blue Jays have a great rotation when they are all healthy. This also gives the team another starter if Yesavage struggles in his first full season in the majors.

With the Blue Jays struggling to land some top-tier free agents over the years, the defending American League Champions have gotten stronger in their biggest area of need. It will be intriguing to see how he pitches going forward in a competitive American League East.