Toronto Blue Jays make free-agent splash by signing top available pitcher

The Toronto Blue Jays aren't messing around as they prepare to get back to the World Series.

Multiple sources are reporting that the Blue Jays have signed one of the top pitchers available in free agency, Dylan Cease, to a massive seven-year deal.

The deal is reportedly worth $210 million per season.

Cease had spent the last two seasons with the San Diego Padres after playing the first five years of his MLB career with the Chicago White Sox.

The 29-year-old was runner-up for the Cy Young award back in 2022 and finished fourth in Cy Young voting in 2024.

Last season was a bit of a down year for Cease, as he struggled with consistency and posted an 8-12 record. Despite the middling record, his strikeout percentage ranked near the top of the league. He was one of eight MLB pitchers last season to post more than 200 strikeouts.

Even though 2025 wasn't his most successful campaign, Cease was still largely considered the best pitcher available in free agency.

Cease became a free agent once he declined a qualifying offer from the Padres earlier this month.

The addition of Cease gives a jolt to the Jays' pitching rotation heading into next season. That starting rotation also includes the likes of Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, and Shane Bieber.

Cease's $210 million contract makes this the biggest signing of MLB free agency so far.