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What’s Next: How Dylan Cease's 7-Year Megadeal Affects Blue Jays and Padres

Here’s what next for the Blue Jays, Padres, and the starting-pitching market after Dylan Cease’s deal.

NOVEMBER 27, 2025 • FOX SPORTS

What’s Next: How Dylan Cease's 7-Year Megadeal Affects Blue Jays and Padres

Lands with Blue Jays Cease signed a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Blue Jays on Wednesday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Impact Cease will join the reigning American League champions and further bolster a rotation that already features Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber and top prospect Trey Yesavage. The 29-year-old was fairly underwhelming this past season, finishing with a 4.55 ERA and 1.33 WHIP across 168 innings. However, he's made at least 32 starts and struck out more than 210 batters every year since 2021, which helps to keep his fantasy appeal relatively high entering 2026.

NOVEMBER 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Does not take qualifying offer Cease rejected the Padres' one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer Tuesday, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Cease posted a 4.55 ERA over 32 regular-season outings for the Padres, but he boasted a 215:71 K:BB over 168 innings. He's made at least 32 starts and struck out over 200 batters in each of the last five regular seasons, so the righty will do quite well in free agency. The Padres will receive draft-pick compensation if Cease departs.

NOVEMBER 18, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Extended qualifying offer The Padres extended Cease a one-year, $22.05 million qualifying offer Thursday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Impact If Cease signs elsewhere in free agency, the Padres will receive a bonus draft pick as compensation. The 29-year-old has been extremely reliable from a health standpoint, making at least 32 starts in each of the last five seasons. His performance, on the other hand, hasn't been as solid, as he finished the 2025 regular season with a 4.55 ERA and 1.33 WHIP over 168 innings.

NOVEMBER 6, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Five strikeouts in no-decision Cease pitched 3.2 shutout innings Wednesday against the Cubs, surrendering three hits and a walk while striking out five batters. He did not factor into the decision.

Impact A sacrifice fly from Jackson Merrill during the top of the first inning gave Cease a 1-0 lead to work with before he even stepped on the mound Wednesday. He kept the Cubs' offense at bay for the duration of his start, but he got an early hook from manager Mike Shildt after giving up a double to Seiya Suzuki on his 69th pitch of the day. While Cease's brief outing prevented him from picking up the win in Game 2, it will help to keep him fresh for the NLDS if San Diego takes Game 3.

OCTOBER 2, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Strikes out eight in no-decision Cease allowed a run on six hits and two walks across five innings in a no-decision Wednesday against the Brewers. He struck out eight.

Impact It was a strong performance from Cease, who held Milwaukee scoreless until Andrew Vaughn's two-out, RBI double in the fifth. Still, Cease only made it through five innings after throwing 100 pitches -- the right-hander only has one quality start in his last eight outings. Cease figures to finish the regular season at 8-12 with a subpar 4.55 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 215 strikeouts across 32 starts (168 innings).

SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Falters vs. former club Cease (8-12) conceded four runs on four hits and three walks over six innings to take the loss Friday against the White Sox. He struck out six.

Impact The San Diego righty entered this appearance on a successful run, going 2-0 with a 2.40 ERA in 15 innings over three starts this month. Despite taking his 12th loss, establishing a new low mark in his seven-year career, Cease pitched relatively well. In this 100-pitch outing, the 29-year-old allowed just one extra-base hit -- a Miguel Vargas two-run homer in the first. Cease will carry a 4.64 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 207:69 K:BB across 163 total frames into his next start, which currently projects come at home against Milwaukee.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Falters vs. former club Cease (8-12) conceded four runs on four hits and three walks over six innings to take the loss Friday against the White Sox. He struck out six.

Impact The San Diego righty entered this appearance on a successful run, going 2-0 with a 2.40 ERA in 15 innings over three starts this month. Despite taking his 12th loss Friday, establishing a new career-worst mark, Cease pitched relatively well. In this 100-pitch outing, the 29-year-old allowed just one extra-base hit -- a Miguel Vargas two-run homer in the first. Cease will carry a 4.64 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 207:69 K:BB across 163 total frames into his next start, which currently projects come at home against Milwaukee.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Wins again over Rockies Cease (8-11) allowed one run on five hits and a walk while striking out six over six innings to earn the win over the Rockies on Saturday.

Impact Cease had to work for the quality start, throwing 109 pitches (70 strikes) in this outing. He's gotten himself back on track with a pair of wins over the Rockies in his last two starts, allowing just two runs over 11 innings in those games. For the season, he's at a 4.59 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 201:66 K:BB across 157 innings over 30 starts. He's topped the 200-strikeout mark in five consecutive seasons, though he is likely to fall short of the 224 he had last year.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Victorious against COL Cease (7-11) picked up the win Sunday against the Rockies, allowing one run on four hits and two walks across five innings. He struck out five.

Impact Cease navigated Coors Field effectively, keeping the ball in the park and allowing just one extra-base hit - a double to Orlando Arcia in the third inning. Sunday's outing snapped a streak of five consecutive outings allowing multiple runs. Cease hasn't pitched into the sixth inning in five straight appearances, and hasn't done so in eight of his last nine. Cease will carry a 4.71 ERA into his next projected start, which is scheduled to be a rematch with the Rockies next weekend.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Fans seven in no-decision Cease allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven batters over four innings in a no-decision against Baltimore on Monday.

Impact Both of the runs Cease allowed came on a Samuel Basallo single in the second inning. Though Cease was otherwise fine, he racked up 91 pitches through four frames and didn't take the mound for the fifth. On a positive note, the right-hander induced an impressive 18 whiffs and allowed fewer than three runs for the first time across his past four outings. Cease has been rocky over that span, posting a 7.02 ERA and 1.80 WHIP while completing five frames just once. He ranks fourth in the majors with 190 punchouts, but it's otherwise been a disappointing campaign for Cease, who carries a 4.81 ERA and 1.34 WHIP through 28 starts.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Fades in no-decision Cease did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing four runs on four hits and three walks over 4.1 innings against the Mariners. He struck out five.

Impact The right-hander cruised through four scoreless innings before falling victim to what's become a recurring issue this season -- unraveling when adversity arrives deeper into starts. In the fifth, he was tagged for a three-run homer by Randy Arozarena as part of a six-run frame, with four of the runs charged to Cease. The 29-year-old has been one of MLB's most frustrating arms in 2025, flashing elite swing-and-miss stuff with an 11.6 K/9 but struggling with command, as shown by his 3.87 BB/9 and 1.27 HR/9. Those inconsistencies have left him at 6-11 with a 4.82 ERA and 1.33 WHIP across 142 innings in 27 starts.

AUGUST 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Fades in no-decision Cease did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing four runs on four hits and three walks over 4.1 innings against the Mariners. He struck out five.

Impact The right-hander cruised through four scoreless innings before falling victim to what's become a recurring issue this season -- unraveling when adversity arrives deeper into starts. In the fifth frame, he was tagged for a three-run homer by Randy Arozarena as part of a six-run frame, with four of the runs charged to Cease. The 29-year-old has been one of MLB's most frustrating arms in 2025, flashing elite swing-and-miss stuff with an 11.6 K/9 but struggling with command and home runs, as shown by his 3.87 BB/9 and 1.27 HR/9. Those inconsistencies have left him at 6-11 with a 4.82 ERA and 1.33 WHIP across 142 innings in 27 starts.

AUGUST 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Punches out seven in shaky outing Cease (6-11) earned the win Thursday against the Giants, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks in five innings. He struck out seven.

Impact Though the six hits were his most allowed since July 2 in Philadelphia, Cease produced 13 whiffs en route to fanning at least seven for the fourth time in his last five starts. The right-hander continues to offer fantasy managers plenty of strikeout upside, as he has 178 punchouts over 137.2 innings, but he's been unable to reach his top form consistently with a 4.71 ERA for the season. Cease will be aiming for better run prevention his next time out, which is slated for next week at pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park against the Mariners.

AUGUST 21, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

No control in loss Cease (5-11) allowed five runs (three earned) on two hits and six walks while striking out two over 3.1 innings to take the loss Saturday versus the Dodgers.

Impact Cease threw just 44 of 85 pitches for strikes. It wasn't all his fault, as a Jackson Merrill error in the second inning was responsible for two runs, but Cease's struggles to find the strike zone continue to be a concern at times. This is the second time in four starts he's walked five or more batters. On the year, he's at a 4.61 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 171:56 K:BB over 132.2 innings across 25 starts. Among qualified starting pitchers, Cease's 3.8 BB/9 is fourth-worst in the majors, though his 11.6 K/9 is second-best. He's projected to make his next start at home versus the Giants, which is a favorable matchup for him to get back on track.

AUGUST 17, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

No control in loss Cease (5-11) allowed five runs (three earned) on two hits and six walks while striking out two over 3.1 innings to take the loss Saturday versus the Dodgers.

Impact Cease threw just 44 of 85 pitches for strikes. It wasn't all his fault, as a Jackson Merrill error in the second inning was responsible for two runs, but Cease's struggles to find the strike zone continue to be a concern at times. This is the second time in four starts he's walked five or more batters. On the year, he's at a 4.61 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 171:56 K:BB over 132.2 innings across 25 starts. Among qualified starting pitchers, Cease's 3.8 BB/9 is fourth worst in the majors, though his 11.6 K/9 is second-best. He's projected to make his next start at home versus the Giants, which is a favorable matchup for him to get back on track.

AUGUST 17, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Wins again Cease (5-10) picked up the win Sunday against Boston, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks across six innings. He struck out seven.

Impact Cease notched his first quality start in his last eight appearances, shutting down the Red Sox en route to a victory. The 29-year-old has now taken the win in back-to-back starts for the first time in 2025. In 24 outings this season, Cease has a 4.52 ERA and a 169:50 K:BB over 129.1 innings. He's tentatively scheduled to face the Dodgers next time out.

AUGUST 11, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Strikes out nine in win Cease (4-10) allowed a hit and a walk while striking out nine over five scoreless innings to earn the win over the Cardinals on Sunday.

Impact Cease threw 59 of 90 pitches for strikes in this outing. While he wasn't particularly efficient, he put together a dominant effort to earn his first win since June 21. He showed no ill effects after taking a comebacker off the head in his previous start. The right-hander posted a 5.67 ERA over 27 innings across his five starts in July, one of which was a scoreless outing. Cease has posted a 4.60 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 162:48 K:BB through 123.1 innings over 23 starts this season. His next start is lined up to be at home versus the Red Sox.

AUGUST 3, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

CT scans return negative Padres manager Mike Shildt said Tuesday that the CT scans Cease (head) received Monday came back negative, per 97.3 The Fan.

Impact Cease was struck in the back of the head by a comebacker off the bat of Francisco Lindor in the third inning during Monday's win, though the ball first hopped off the ground. The veteran hurler remained in the game until the bottom of the fifth inning, and his departure didn't seem to be related to the earlier incident. Nonetheless, Cease underwent precautionary CT scans after the contest, and Shildt indicated that testing revealed no swelling or bleeding or other issues aside from some discomfort. It thus seems likely that Cease will be able to take his next turn in the rotation, which is tentatively scheduled for this weekend against St. Louis.

JULY 30, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Getting CT scan on head Cease is receiving a CT scan on his head after being hit on a bounce by a comebacker in the third inning of Monday's game against the Mets, Marty Caswell of The Sporting Tribune re...

Impact Cease ended up on the ground after a ball hit by Francisco Lindor bounced and then struck the hurler on the back of the head in the third frame. The right-hander was checked on by trainers but stayed in the game, and he struck out the next two batters he faced. Cease ultimately departed the contest after 4.2 innings, but his departure seemed to be a result of the grand slam he gave up to the final batter he faced rather than a consequence of the hit to the head. Nonetheless, Cease is getting a CT scan to check for any issues, and the results of the testing should provide insight about whether he's in danger of missing his next start.

JULY 29, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Another uneven outing Cease allowed five runs on five hits and five walks with nine strikeouts over 4.2 innings in a no-decision against the Mets on Monday.

Impact As usual, Cease looked dominant at times, racking up 13 whiffs and nine punchouts despite completing less than five innings. However, the righty couldn't sustain a strong opening four frames -- he loaded the bases in the fifth and then gave up a two-out grand slam to Mark Vientos. This was the third time in Cease's past five starts that he's surrendered four or more earned runs, and his ERA sits at a below-average 4.79 on the season. He ranks fourth in the majors with 153 strikeouts but has also posted a 3.57 BB/9, seventh-highest among qualified pitchers.

JULY 29, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Another uneven outing Cease allowed five runs on five hits and five walks with nine strikeouts over 4.2 innings in a no-decision against the Mets on Monday.

JULY 29, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Solid effort in loss Cease (3-10) took the loss against the Marlins on Wednesday, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks with five strikeouts over five innings.

Impact Cease allowed a run in the first inning and a two-run homer in the fifth that ultimately saddled him with the loss. The 29-year-old threw just 56 of 95 pitches for strikes but has now turned in back-to-back solid starts after giving up 10 earned runs across his first two July outings. He'll carry a 4.59 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 144:42 K:BB over 113.2 innings into a home matchup with the Mets next week.

JULY 23, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Fans 10 in scoreless gem Cease did not factor into the decision in Friday's win against the Nationals, dealing 5.1 scoreless innings while allowing four hits and no walks with 10 strikeouts.

Impact Cease bounced back in dominant fashion Friday, silencing the Nationals into the sixth inning while racking up double-digit strikeouts for the third time this season. The right-hander had been in a rough patch leading up to this start, posting a 6.51 ERA over 27.2 innings in his previous five appearances. While consistency has eluded the 29-year-old ace at times this year, his ability to miss bats remains intact, as he's now tallied 139 strikeouts across 108.2 innings. Cease will look to build on this performance when he takes the mound against the Marlins next week.

JULY 19, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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What’s Next: How Dylan Cease's 7-Year Megadeal Affects Blue Jays and Padres