"Since Cease declined his qualifying offer, the Blue Jays have forfeited their second-round and fifth-round picks in the 2026 draft. Additionally, the Jays have lost $1 million in International Free Agent Signing Bonus pool money. If rumours are to be believed, the Jays are also interested in Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz. Assuming the Blue Jays sign another player with a declined qualifying offer attached, they'll also lose their third-round and sixth-round picks since they also declined their qualifying offer."
"Don't let Cease's 4.55 ERA fool you; he's a terrific pitcher and could be their Opening Day starter. Over 168 innings pitched, Cease's fastball averaged 97.1 mph, allowing him to strike out 29.8% of the batters he faced, while having a slightly elevated 9.8 BB%. Along with allowing 21 home runs (1.13 HR/9), Cease posted a 3.56 FIP. With a strong Blue Jays' defence behind the 29-year-old, the Blue Jays got themselves an ace."
Cease declined his qualifying offer, costing the Blue Jays their 2026 second- and fifth-round draft picks and $1 million in international signing pool money. Potential interest in Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz could trigger further loss of third- and sixth-round picks if those players also declined qualifying offers. Cease, 29, is signed for seven more years, and Yesavage remains under team control through 2031, giving the rotation at least two locked starters for 2026. Bieber and Gausman will be free agents after this season, and Berríos can opt out after 2026. Cease has shown durability with 32–33 starts in each of the past five seasons and strong underlying metrics—a 97.1 mph average fastball, a 29.8% strikeout rate, a 9.8% walk rate, 1.13 HR/9 across 168 innings, and a 3.56 FIP—making him a frontline starter with good defensive support.
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