The Toronto Blue Jays signed Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million deal this offseason. It is the second-largest contract on the team, and the team is hoping he can be a difference maker.
Cease is one of the best strikeout pitchers in baseball and could be a huge part of the rotation. The veteran superstar has already made Blue Jays history before throwing a single pitch for the team. The team announced that Cease will wear No. 84, becoming the first player in franchise history to do so.
Cease has worn 84 with the San Diego Padres and Chicago WHite Sox. It’s not a shock that he is sticking with the number for his new team.
Cease’s number is insignificant compared to the impact he could have on the team. The Blue Jays also reportedly agreed to sign Cody Ponce. Shane Bieber also, surprisingly, accepted his player option. The Blue Jays’ rotation is set up to have Cease, Bieber, Ponce, Kevin Gausman and Trey Yesavage.
Cease has a 3.88 career ERA and struggles with walks at times. However, when he’s at his best, he is one of the best pitchers in baseball. He was the American League Cy Young Award runner-up in 2022 and finished in fourth place for the 2024 National League Cy Young Award.
Cease led all of baseball in strikeouts per nine innings last season. Since 2020, Cease leads all of baseball in strikeouts. He can be a real weapon for the Blue Jays and play a huge role in the team’s quest to get back to the World Series. What he does on the field remains to be seen, but whatever he does, he will be the first Blue Jay to do it wearing No. 84.
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