MLB Makes Dylan Cease Announcement on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Jan 13, 2026 11:44 PM ET

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Dylan Cease has had a successful career in Major League Baseball to this point. In seven years in the majors, Cease has started 188 games with a record of 65-58. He's pitched to a 3.88 ERA in 1,015 1/3 innings with 1,231 strikeouts and 430 walks.

After being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2014, Cease made his big-league debut with the Chicago White Sox, where he spent the first five years of his major-league career. The past two seasons, the right-hander has been in the San Diego Padres rotation.

His contract with the Padres for the 2025 season was for just one year, making him a free agent this offseason, and the Blue Jays made him an offer he couldn't refuse.

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease with the San Diego Padres.Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

In November, Toronto signed the 30-year-old righty to a seven-year, $210 million contract, which was the largest free agent deal in Blue Jays history.

This massive contract came after a down year for Cease with San Diego in 2025. He went 8-12 in 32 starts with a 4.55 ERA, totaling 215 strikeouts and 71 walks in 168 innings. Despite his struggles last season, Toronto values him as one of the top arms in the majors.

On Tuesday, MLB shared via its X account that MLB Network began its countdown of the top 100 players in baseball, and Cease was ranked at No. 100.

Let the countdown begin!@MLBNetwork’s #Top100RightNow kicks off with Nos. 100-91. pic.twitter.com/y0IbegG9vH
— MLB (@MLB) January 14, 2026

He came in behind New York Yankees left-handed pitcher Corlos Rodon (No. 99) and St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Ivan Herrera (No. 98). Cease was the only Blue Jays player named on the list from Nos. 81-100, which were released on Tuesday.

After an American League East title and a run to the World Series in 2025, the Blue Jays are hoping that Cease can be a big part of another deep postseason run next season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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