Dylan Cease Sends Message After Blue Jays Trade Decision

With the club looking to retool and contend quickly, their biggest acquisition at this year’s deadline was Los Angeles Angels right-hander José Soriano. However, Toronto also made the difficult decision to part ways with several established veterans, including longtime starting pitcher and two-time All-Star Kevin Gausman.

The Blue Jays traded Gausman to the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, ending the right-hander's four-and-a-half-year tenure with the organization. During his time in Toronto, Gausman helped lead the club to multiple postseason appearances and last year's American League pennant.

While Gausman's departure marked the end of an era in Toronto, it also prompted a heartfelt reaction from one of his teammates. Blue Jays ace Dylan Cease took to Instagram after the trade was announced, sharing the club's farewell graphic for Gausman on his story, adding a simple one-word message.

"Legend."

Cease and Gausman spent the 2026 season together atop Toronto's starting rotation, and while Cease has emerged as one of the favorites for the American League Cy Young Award with a dominant 2.41 ERA, Gausman continued to provide stability and leadership despite an up-and-down season.

While Gausman’s departure is undoubtedly an emotional one for the organization, the Blue Jays will now hope the moves they made will help them contend as early as next season. With Soriano joining Dylan Cease at the top of the rotation, Toronto has reason to believe it still has the foundation of a competitive pitching staff despite moving on from one of its beloved veterans.