MLB executives vote the Blue Jays as having signed the worst deal of the off-season
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Victor William
Feb 19, 2026 (9:26 PM)
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Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Dylan Cease being voted the worst offseason signing by MLB executives is exactly the chip on the shoulder this rotation needs.
It is never fun to see your team dragged in the media by anonymous suits.
According to a new poll by Jayson Stark, industry insiders roasted the seven-year, $210 million deal the Blue Jays handed out.
They pointed to his erratic command and his high walk rates as major red flags.
When you look at the tweet flying around, you realize just how wild this voting actually got.
MLB executives voted for the worst free agent signings this offseason, via
@jaysonst
Dylan Cease (Blue Jays) — 13
Kyle Tucker (Dodgers) — 8
Pete Alonso (Orioles) — 5
Bo Bichette (Mets) — 5
Devin Williams (Mets) — 4
Jorge Polanco (Mets) — 4
Three different Mets on the list…
@jaysonst
Dylan Cease (Blue Jays) — 13
Kyle Tucker (Dodgers) — 8
Pete Alonso (Orioles) — 5
Bo Bichette (Mets) — 5
Devin Williams (Mets) — 4
Jorge Polanco (Mets) — 4
Three different Mets on the list…
One executive even joked that he just needs to walk fewer batters than the millions he makes.
Yes, an 8-12 record and a 4.55 ERA last season do not scream ace material at first glance.
We cannot deny that the command issues can be frustrating to watch on a Tuesday night in July.
You have to accept the bad with the good when dealing with pure velocity.
The Blue Jays have secured a true strikeout king
We all know this city desperately craved a durable, high-octane arm to anchor the staff.
Cease (Age 30, Drafted 6th round, 2014 by Chicago Cubs) brings a profile that simply cannot be taught.
He racked up an incredible 215 strikeouts across 168.0 innings pitched last year alone.
When he steps on the mound, his 98 mph fastball and devastating slider miss bats at an elite clip.
That pure electricity is what wins tight playoff games against loaded divisional rivals.
Under the hood, his expected metrics paint a much more encouraging picture for his future success.
His 3.56 xFIP and 1.33 WHIP prove he pitched much better than his traditional numbers suggest.
The defense behind him in Toronto should help turn those weak grounders into quick outs.
More importantly, he takes the ball every single time his name is called.
Making 32 or more starts for five consecutive seasons is a massive asset for any bullpen.
This front office made a calculated bet on pure stuff and raw durability.
Let the executives laugh now, because this investment will look brilliant when the weather gets cold.
Toronto finally has a fierce competitor who is ready to silence his critics on the biggest stage.
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