Blue Jays Bet Big on Cease and Okamoto to Fill Roster Gaps

Toronto's $270M offseason moves aim to overcome Chris Bassitt and Bo Bichette departures, but injury setbacks add uncertainty

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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After a tough World Series loss, the Toronto Blue Jays committed $270 million to acquire right-hander Dylan Cease and third baseman Kazuma Okamoto in an effort to compensate for the departures of veteran pitcher Chris Bassitt and star shortstop Bo Bichette. However, the team faces challenges as Cease looks to improve on his inconsistent track record and Okamoto adjusts to the higher level of MLB play. Additionally, the Blue Jays are dealing with an unexpected injury to outfielder Anthony Santander, further complicating their outlook for the 2026 season.

Why it matters

The Blue Jays' major offseason investments in Cease and Okamoto reflect the franchise's determination to remain competitive in the wake of key player losses. However, the high-stakes gamble carries significant risk, as the team must overcome Cease's past inconsistency, Okamoto's transition to MLB, and Santander's injury setback in order to maintain their status as a contender in the American League.

The details

The Blue Jays signed Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract, making him a potential ace alongside Kevin Gausman. However, Cease struggled with inconsistency in 2025, posting an 8-12 record and 4.55 ERA with the San Diego Padres. The team also acquired Okamoto on a four-year, $60 million deal to replace the offensive production of Bo Bichette, who signed with the New York Mets. Okamoto had a strong season in Japan's NPB league, but faces the challenge of adapting to the higher level of MLB pitching. Additionally, the Blue Jays are dealing with a significant injury to outfielder Anthony Santander, who underwent shoulder surgery just before spring training and is expected to miss several months of the 2026 season.

  • The Blue Jays increased their payroll by $29 million compared to the previous year in order to make these offseason moves.
  • Santander suffered a labral tear in his left shoulder during the 2025 postseason and underwent surgery just before spring training in 2026.

The players

Dylan Cease

A 30-year-old right-handed pitcher who signed a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Blue Jays. Cease has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with inconsistency, posting an 8-12 record and 4.55 ERA with the San Diego Padres in 2025.

Kazuma Okamoto

A third baseman acquired from Japan's NPB league on a four-year, $60 million contract. Okamoto is tasked with filling the offensive void left by the departure of Bo Bichette, who signed with the New York Mets.

Anthony Santander

An outfielder who signed a five-year, $92.5 million deal with the Blue Jays in 2025. Santander suffered a labral tear in his left shoulder during the 2025 postseason and underwent surgery just before spring training in 2026, delaying his expected recovery by several months.

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What’s next

The judge in Santander's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him to return to play earlier than expected.

The takeaway

The Blue Jays' high-stakes offseason gamble reflects the franchise's determination to remain competitive, but the team faces significant challenges in replacing key departures and overcoming unexpected injury setbacks. The 2026 season will serve as a crucial test of Toronto's strategy, with success potentially vindicating their bold moves or struggles suggesting the roster transformations were more difficult than anticipated.