Blue Jays Target Rival Closer After $210M Cease Signing
Blue Jays Target Rival Closer After $210M Cease Signing
Toronto eyes a former closer after landing Dylan Cease, aiming to stabilize the bullpen and close out games more reliably in 2025.
Toronto's baseball scene is buzzing again as the Blue Jays close in on adding another high-leverage reliever after landing Dylan Cease on a seven-year, $210 million contract. The moves are part of a broader plan to tighten the late innings and prevent another World Series heartbreak.
Insiders say the Jays were in the mix for a rival's former closer, with Pete Fairbanks of the Rays emerging as a prime target after the club lost out on other late-inning options such as Ryan Helsley, Raisel Iglesias and Phil Maton.
Fairbanks, who posted a 2.83 ERA with 59 strikeouts across a little over 60 innings this past season, has been effective against Toronto in recent matchups. With Helsley off the market to the Orioles, Toronto and the Miami Marlins are among teams still pursuing him, according to industry sources.
Cease's arrival reshapes the Jays' rotation and bullpen plans. A veteran in Toronto's rotation could be moved, turning Cease's signing into a wider reshuffling that puts the team on a path toward greater bullpen depth for 2025.
While no deal is done yet, the pursuit signals the Jays' willingness to spend on late-game armor and position themselves for a more stable closer role, reinforcing their contention window for next season.
Cover image source: Blue Jays Could Cut Ties With $131 Million 2-Time All-Star After Adding Dylan Cease đŸ”—
