Cease signed a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Blue Jays on Wednesday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cease will join the reigning American League champions and further bolster a rotation that already features Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber and top prospect Trey Yesavage. The 29-year-old Cease was fairly underwhelming this past season, finishing with a 4.55 ERA and 1.33 WHIP across 168 regular-season innings. However, he's made at least 32 starts and struck out more than 210 batters every year since 2021, which helps to keep his fantasy appeal relatively high entering 2026.

Cease rejected the Padres' one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer Tuesday, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cease posted a 4.55 ERA over 32 regular-season outings for the Padres, but he boasted a 215:71 K:BB over 168 innings. He's made at least 32 starts and struck out over 200 batters in each of the last five regular seasons, so the righty will do quite well in free agency. The Padres will receive draft-pick compensation if Cease departs.

The Padres extended Cease a one-year, $22.05 million qualifying offer Thursday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

If Cease signs elsewhere in free agency, the Padres will receive a bonus draft pick as compensation. The 29-year-old has been extremely reliable from a health standpoint, making at least 32 starts in each of the last five seasons. His performance, on the other hand, hasn't been as solid, as he finished the 2025 regular season with a 4.55 ERA and 1.33 WHIP over 168 innings.

Cease pitched 3.2 shutout innings Wednesday against the Cubs, surrendering three hits and a walk while striking out five batters. He did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

A sacrifice fly from Jackson Merrill during the top of the first inning gave Cease a 1-0 lead to work with before he even stepped on the mound Wednesday. He kept the Cubs' offense at bay for the duration of his start, but he got an early hook from manager Mike Shildt after giving up a double to Seiya Suzuki on his 69th pitch of the day. While Cease's brief outing prevented him from picking up the win in Game 2, it will help to keep him fresh for the NLDS if San Diego takes Game 3.

Cease allowed a run on six hits and two walks across five innings in a no-decision Wednesday against the Brewers. He struck out eight.

EDGE Analysis

It was a strong performance from Cease, who held Milwaukee scoreless until Andrew Vaughn's two-out, RBI double in the fifth. Still, Cease only made it through five innings after throwing 100 pitches -- the right-hander only has one quality start in his last eight outings. Cease figures to finish the regular season at 8-12 with a subpar 4.55 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 215 strikeouts across 32 starts (168 innings).

Cease (8-12) conceded four runs on four hits and three walks over six innings to take the loss Friday against the White Sox. He struck out six.

EDGE Analysis

The San Diego righty entered this appearance on a successful run, going 2-0 with a 2.40 ERA in 15 innings over three starts this month. Despite taking his 12th loss, establishing a new low mark in his seven-year career, Cease pitched relatively well. In this 100-pitch outing, the 29-year-old allowed just one extra-base hit -- a Miguel Vargas two-run homer in the first. Cease will carry a 4.64 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 207:69 K:BB across 163 total frames into his next start, which currently projects come at home against Milwaukee.

Cease (8-11) allowed one run on five hits and a walk while striking out six over six innings to earn the win over the Rockies on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Cease had to work for the quality start, throwing 109 pitches (70 strikes) in this outing. He's gotten himself back on track with a pair of wins over the Rockies in his last two starts, allowing just two runs over 11 innings in those games. For the season, he's at a 4.59 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 201:66 K:BB across 157 innings over 30 starts. He's topped the 200-strikeout mark in five consecutive seasons, though he is likely to fall short of the 224 he had last year.

Cease (7-11) picked up the win Sunday against the Rockies, allowing one run on four hits and two walks across five innings. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

Cease navigated Coors Field effectively, keeping the ball in the park and allowing just one extra-base hit - a double to Orlando Arcia in the third inning. Sunday's outing snapped a streak of five consecutive outings allowing multiple runs. Cease hasn't pitched into the sixth inning in five straight appearances, and hasn't done so in eight of his last nine. Cease will carry a 4.71 ERA into his next projected start, which is scheduled to be a rematch with the Rockies next weekend.

Cease allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven batters over four innings in a no-decision against Baltimore on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Both of the runs Cease allowed came on a Samuel Basallo single in the second inning. Though Cease was otherwise fine, he racked up 91 pitches through four frames and didn't take the mound for the fifth. On a positive note, the right-hander induced an impressive 18 whiffs and allowed fewer than three runs for the first time across his past four outings. Cease has been rocky over that span, posting a 7.02 ERA and 1.80 WHIP while completing five frames just once. He ranks fourth in the majors with 190 punchouts, but it's otherwise been a disappointing campaign for Cease, who carries a 4.81 ERA and 1.34 WHIP through 28 starts.

Cease did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing four runs on four hits and three walks over 4.1 innings against the Mariners. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander cruised through four scoreless innings before falling victim to what's become a recurring issue this season -- unraveling when adversity arrives deeper into starts. In the fifth frame, he was tagged for a three-run homer by Randy Arozarena as part of a six-run frame, with four of the runs charged to Cease. The 29-year-old has been one of MLB's most frustrating arms in 2025, flashing elite swing-and-miss stuff with an 11.6 K/9 but struggling with command and home runs, as shown by his 3.87 BB/9 and 1.27 HR/9. Those inconsistencies have left him at 6-11 with a 4.82 ERA and 1.33 WHIP across 142 innings in 27 starts.