TORONTO -- Dylan Cease’s Blue Jays debut was the very definition of dominant, the type of debut that sets a new bar for stars who come to Toronto.
Cease’s 12 strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings of one-run ball set a new record for the most by a Blue Jays pitcher in their debut with the franchise, and as this organization celebrates its 50th season, there have been a few debuts along the way. This topped David Price’s 11 strikeouts in his 2015 debut, a memorable moment after the Blue Jays traded for him at the Deadline to bolster their postseason run.
Cease was a performer in full control of this day. Walking out to the bullpen to warm up, he was already waving at fans and taking in the moment. Walking off the field between innings, he was scanning the bleachers, nodding along. The Blue Jays have seven more seasons of this to look forward to.
From the third inning through the fifth, Cease struck out seven consecutive A’s, tying a Blue Jays record set by Alek Manoah on July 2, 2021 (per Elias). He baffled hitters with pitches that seemed to be darting and diving in every possible direction -- including one 100 mph fastball. Even a foul tip felt like an accomplishment.
This feels so new in Toronto. In the pitch-tracking era (since 2008), only one other Blue Jays starter has touched 100 mph on the radar gun in the regular season. Brandon Morrow did that on May 5, 2010, against Cleveland when he touched 100.5, but it’s been 16 years since a Toronto starter saw triple digits flash on the scoreboard behind them.
Forget the pitch-tracking era to expand this to the entirety of Blue Jays history, and you still likely wouldn’t find many others who have done this. Louis Varland reached 100 mph a couple of times as the opener in Game 4 of the American League Division Series last year, but that’s not a true starter. Perhaps Roger Clemens in his two Cy Young seasons with Toronto of 1997-98?
Even Toronto’s relievers have rarely touched these numbers. Just look at how rare 100 mph was for the Blue Jays a year ago:
Pitches thrown by the Blue Jays in 2025: 23,711
Pitches thrown 100 mph: 3
Only Varland (twice) and Seranthony Domínguez (once) touched 100 mph for the Blue Jays last regular season, with Varland’s 100.3 representing the high-water mark. We’re starting to find a common denominator with all of these names, too. Varland and Domínguez were both Trade Deadline additions by Toronto late last season, and Cease was the team’s big splash to open the offseason. There’s been a shift in the organization.
For years, the Blue Jays lagged behind the rest of the league in velocity and swing-and-miss stuff. While other bullpens seemed to be factories producing 100 mph arms, Toronto kept topping out at 96-97. In the rotation, starters like Chris Bassitt and José Berríos have been more the Blue Jays’ style, ultra-reliable veterans capable of eating 180-plus innings each year.
This change hasn’t happened overnight, but we’re suddenly seeing it explode. Kevin Gausman has always been more of a swing-and-miss starter. His 237 strikeouts in 2023 were the fourth most by a starter in franchise history, behind only the Cy Young years of Robbie Ray and Clemens. Suddenly, he’s been joined by Cease and Cody Ponce, with Trey Yesavage representing the future.
This rotation has gone from the reliable sedan that could run for 500,000 miles to a Ferrari. Sure, that comes with some risks and maybe a few big bills from the mechanic, but the Blue Jays are trying to win the World Series, not just get another ticket to the dance.
“I really love our pitching staff this year,” Gausman said. “I think it’s the best, stuff-wise, since I’ve been here, and we’ve had great pitching staffs since I’ve been here. That’s what’s exciting for me. The swing-and-miss is probably more than we’ve ever had.”
Cease is almost unlike any pitcher this organization has ever had, and this is just the beginning.