Cease has signed the dotted line with the Toronto Blue Jays worth 7 years, $210 million. This deal comes with deferrals and eliminates any possibility of the top-arm on the market signing elsewhere.
Cease had one of the best strikeout rates last year behind Tarik Skubal and Garrett Crochet which made him an intriguing option. There were rumors Cease was always a moving target that had not gone to the Houston Astros during the MLB Trade deadline.
Instead, Cease declined the $22 million qualifying offer from the San Deigo Padres and was offered more money. The Toronto Blue Jays are being criticized for the move that will see Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer come off the books.
Bringing in Cease now, will eliminate any stigma around the Toronto Blue Jays that there in it to win now and re-sign Bo Bichette. Kyle Tucker is another option but the wealth of talent has been mostly criticized.
