Dylan Cease signing gives Blue Jays credibility to other free agents looking play in Toronto
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Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Dylan Cease was impressed with the club's pitch.
Happy 30th birthday to Dylan Cease. Get to know your newest Blue Jay 🎤
The first big domino to fall in MLB free agency was the Blue Jays' signing of San Diego Padres pitcher Dylan Cease to a massive seven-year, $210 million deal.
The Blue Jays were so close to winning the World Series this postseason, so they are trying as hard as possible to make another October run.
The Cease signing was a major one for Toronto, and all signs point to that being just the first big move they make this offseason.
"You could tell they built a really impressive culture," Cease said during a news conference.
"They've proven that they have championship-calibre players and obviously a good process. That was probably the number one thing," Cease said. "And then from there, it was also how would they help me maximize and develop and basically reach my potential more often? That was important to me. That was probably the second-biggest consideration."
Cease had Gausman's telephone number and spoke with the pitcher.
"As I asked around, no one had any negatives to say about it," Cease said. "The consensus has been you're going to love the city, you're going to love the organization."
Interesting insight from Scott Boras on the Dylan Cease signing and how the Blue Jays are viewed by top free agents. [Video Below]
Cease is a great start but there are more holes to fill for the Blue Jays
Cease, who turned 30 today, is 65-58 with a 3.88 earned-run average and 1,231 strikeouts in 188 starts over seven big league seasons.
He went 8-12 with a 4.55 ERA in 32 starts this year for San Diego, striking out 215 and walking 71 in 168 innings. His 29.8 and Boston's Garrett Crochet (31.3 per cent).
This is a new era of Blue Jays baseball. As crushing as that Game 7 loss to the Dodgers was in the World Series, the Cease signing has kicked the Blue Jays back into fifth gear.
There's immediate momentum again, and the rest of the league is noticing. They have no choice.
Most starts since 2021: Dylan Cease
Most strikeouts since 2021: Dylan Cease
MLB Tonight reacts to the Blue Jays reportedly signing the RHP to a massive 7-year deal.
Most strikeouts since 2021: Dylan Cease
MLB Tonight reacts to the Blue Jays reportedly signing the RHP to a massive 7-year deal.
More is needed, and obviously, that conversation begins with one of Bo Bichette or Kyle Tucker.
This offseason will continue to revolve around Bichette and Tucker until they find new homes.
The sense here is that the Blue Jays are waiting on both markets to unfold before wading in with offers, if they eventually choose to, and neither player feels close to a decision right now.
Toronto felt that pitching was its most important area of need coming into the offseason, but with the additions of Cease, Cody Ponce, and Tyler Rogers, they can shift their attention to the lineup and bullpen now.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 28 | 85 ANSWERS Dylan Cease signing gives Blue Jays credibility to other free agents looking play in Toronto Do you think signing Dylan Cease helps the Blue Jays sign other big free agents? | ||
| Yes | 79 | 92.9 % |
| No | 6 | 7.1 % |
| List of polls | ||