Blue Jays' Dylan Cease Sets All-Time Toronto Baseball Strikeout Record

The big-money offseason signing has dominated opposing hitters in his first three starts.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:35am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the powerful pitching motion and energy of a baseball player, representing Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease's dominant start to the season.The Blue Jays' new ace Dylan Cease has been unstoppable on the mound, setting a franchise record for strikeouts in his first three starts.Chicago Today

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease has set a new franchise record for most strikeouts through the first three starts of a season. Cease, who signed a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Blue Jays in the offseason, has racked up 26 strikeouts in just 14.2 innings pitched so far this season.

Why it matters

Cease's dominant start is a great sign for the Blue Jays, who are hoping the big-money free agent signing can help them get over the top after losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series last year. If Cease can keep up this level of performance, the Blue Jays will have a formidable one-two punch at the top of their rotation alongside ace Kevin Gausman.

The details

In his first three starts of the 2026 season, Cease has posted a 2-0 record with a 1.23 ERA. He's struck out 26 batters in just 14.2 innings, setting a new franchise record for the Blue Jays. Cease's best outing so far came on April 8th against the Dodgers, when he struck out 8 batters over 5 innings in a Blue Jays victory.

  • On March 28, Cease struck out 12 batters over 5.1 innings in a win over the Atlanta Braves.
  • On April 3, Cease struck out 6 batters over 4.1 innings in a win over the Chicago White Sox.
  • On April 8, Cease struck out 8 batters over 5 innings in a win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The players

Dylan Cease

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher who the Toronto Blue Jays signed to a seven-year, $210 million contract in the offseason. Cease is off to a dominant start to the 2026 season, setting a new franchise record for most strikeouts through the first three starts.

Kevin Gausman

The ace of the Toronto Blue Jays' pitching staff, who has been a key part of the team's success in recent years.

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What’s next

Cease will look to continue his dominant start to the season in his next outing, as the Blue Jays aim to get off to a strong start and build on their World Series appearance last year.

The takeaway

Cease's historic start to the season has the Blue Jays and their fans excited about the team's World Series chances, as the big-money free agent signing has the potential to form a dominant one-two punch at the top of the rotation alongside ace Kevin Gausman.