Blue Jays: Dylan Cease named All-Star Game starter

For the first time in 17 years, a Toronto Blue Jays pitcher will start the All-Star game.

On Sunday afternoon, it was reported that Dylan Cease is set to start for the American League in the upcoming All-Star Game.

Shortly before the announcement, it was reported that Cam Schlittler declined to pitch in the All-Star Game, paving the way for Cease to earn the start. And despite Schlittler posting better numbers than Cease, it’s hard to argue that the Blue Jay isn’t deserving of the role, especially considering his last start where he carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning.

The Blue Jays signed Cease to the largest contract they’ve ever handed out this past off-season, and it’s worked out terrifically. Over 17 starts, the right-handed pitcher had a 2.56 ERA and 2.18 FIP in 98.1 innings of work, with a career-best 36.9 K%, though his BB% has climbed to 11%.

Cease’s 148 strikeouts this season are the most in the American League, and are only behind Milwaukee Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski, who has 167 strikeouts this season. Even with the elevated walk rate, Cease’s K-BB% of 25.9% ranks second best in baseball among qualified pitchers, only behind Misiorowski.

This will be the first time a Blue Jays pitcher will start an All-Star game in 17 seasons, when the late, great Roy Halladay started the 2009 All-Star Game. Halladay pitched two innings, giving up three runs (two earned) and failing to strike out a batter. It was one of eight times the Hall of Famer attended the All-Star Game, and the final time he attended it in a Blue Jays’ uniform.

Halladay was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies following the 2009 season. In 2010, he threw a perfect game, then just the second no-hitter in postseason history, doing so at Citizen’s Bank Park in his first career playoff outing.

The 2026 All-Star Game will be in that very stadium. Joining Cease are Ernie Clement, who received the most votes in the American League, as well as Louis Varland. This season, Varland is a perfect 19/19 in save opportunities, heading into the All-Star Game with a terrific 1.10 ERA.