By KDA Sporty | Newsweek | April 8, 2025 – 7:35 PM
Just when the rest of the league thought the Toronto Blue Jays had made their big move with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s jaw-dropping 14-year, $500 million extension, they’ve gone and done it again.
Sources confirmed late Tuesday that Toronto has pulled off a stunning trade for ace right-hander Dylan Cease, the electric former Cy Young finalist from the San Diego Padres — turning what was already a headline-making week into one of the most aggressive, defining stretches in franchise history.
With Guerrero locked in as the face of the franchise through 2039, the Blue Jays have now fortified their rotation by landing Cease, a top-tier starter projected to command a five-year, $108 million deal in free agency.
“This is about winning now and building a dynasty,” said one front office source. “We didn’t just want to bring Vlad back — we wanted to show him and the rest of baseball that Toronto’s going all the way.”
Cease, 28, boasts a 3.40 ERA across the past three seasons, with over 200 strikeouts in each of those campaigns. He’s also off to a strong start in 2025 with a 3.38 ERA in his first two outings. Known for his swing-and-miss stuff and icy poise under pressure, he immediately joins Kevin Gausman and José Berríos to form one of the most formidable rotations in the American League.
Insiders say that with Guerrero secured, the front office felt empowered to make a bold move on the mound, especially after missing out on key arms during last winter’s free agency. Now, Toronto has landed both its cornerstone slugger and an ace within the span of a week — making it clear they’re no longer building, they’re going for it.
“With Dylan Cease and Vlad Jr., we’ve got stars on both sides of the ball,” the source added. “This is the most complete Blue Jays roster in a generation.”
Cease is expected to make his debut in a Blue Jays uniform later this week, and Rogers Centre could be buzzing with the loudest anticipation since the Bautista era.
Toronto isn’t just reloading. They’re coming for a ring.
