Gausman, Ponce, Cease headline first day of Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The Toronto Blue Jays officially opened the 2026 season Wednesday morning as pitchers and catchers reported to the club’s Player Development Complex in Dunedin, Fla.
Toronto Blue Jays veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman was on the field alongside newcomers Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, with the trio spending much of the first day throwing, talking and getting acquainted.
“They’ve fit in well — especially with Kevin, with their hair and their beards,” manager John Schneider joked in his first media availability of the spring. “The three of them look like a rock band rolling through camp right now.”
Get used to seeing these three together 👀 Two Cy Finalists and the Choi Dong-won Winner!
The start of camp also signals a historic year for Toronto, as the franchise celebrates its 50th season in 2026.
With several strong candidates in the rotation, Cease appears to be the early favorite to draw the Opening Day assignment.
Blessed with electric stuff, Cease understands that the difference between good and great often comes down to one word: consistency.
Dylan Cease says he’s working to add a changeup this spring, which will help against lefties. Otherwise: Consistency, consistency. We all know how talented he is, but he came back to “consistency” repeatedly. #BlueJays
Cease may be the new hired gun in town, but Gausman is the Sherriff
Now in the fifth and final year of his deal, Gausman owns the clubhouse.
Gaus arrived at camp ready to begin another climb toward the ultimate goal.
Already regarded as one of the best free-agent signings in franchise history, Gausman was outstanding during the 2025 postseason, leaving everything he had on the mound each time out.
Kevin Gausman & the final year of one of the best free agent contracts in franchise history.
Included:
- A Leader
- Finding a Way
- Workload & Historical Comps
- Understanding his work
Let's start here: An underrated moment from the 2025 postseason run.
Included:
- A Leader
- Finding a Way
- Workload & Historical Comps
- Understanding his work
Let's start here: An underrated moment from the 2025 postseason run.
Cease may be the new headline addition, but Gausman remains the foundation.
Ponce, on the other hand, brings intrigue.
Ponce, on the other hand, brings intrigue.
After reinventing himself overseas in Japan and Korea, he represents the rotation’s wild card — a pitcher with significant upside.
If he can deliver a full season with an ERA under 4.00, the Blue Jays could find themselves boasting one of the most formidable rotations in all of Major League Baseball.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 11|197 ANSWERS Gausman, Ponce, Cease headline first day of Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training Do you think the addition of Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce makes the Blue Jays rotation one of the best in baseball? | ||
| Yes | 134 | 68 % |
| No | 17 | 8.6 % |
| Too early to tell | 46 | 23.4 % |
| List of polls | ||