"The Toronto Blue Jays' signing of Dylan Cease shouldn't have much impact on anyone else in the rotation, save for perhaps José Berríos and his long-term contract. Cease is a true ace who doesn't overlap with anyone, even Kevin Gausman. The same can't exactly be said for Cody Ponce, whom the Blue Jays signed to a three-year deal shortly after locking up Cease. Those two, alongside Gausman, Shane Bieber, and Trey Yesavage, should round out the team's rotation on Opening Day."
"After a breakout campaign in 2024 -- one in which Francis authored a 3.30 ERA in 103.2 innings pitched -- the right-hander never got on track this past season, surrendering 19 home runs in 64 innings while recording a 6.05 ERA and 6.85 FIP. Some of that surely can be chalked up to the shoulder issue, but Francis' strikeout rate declined for a fourth straight campaign, bottoming out at just 18.5%."
Dylan Cease's signing solidifies an ace who doesn't overlap with existing starters, with limited impact on the rotation beyond potential implications for José Berríos' contract. Cody Ponce's three-year deal, combined with Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, and Trey Yesavage, projects as the likely Opening Day five. The organization has additional depth in Jake Bloss, Ricky Tiedemann, Angel Bastardo and others on the 40-man roster. Bowden Francis missed the second half of 2025 with a right shoulder impingement and rehab setback. After a strong 2024, Francis posted worse results in 2025, with declining strikeouts, rising walks, and increased home runs, leaving his future uncertain despite hopes for offseason recovery.
Read at Jays Journal
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