Blue Jays' Dylan Cease debuts new changeup in 12-K performance

The $210 million offseason signing showed off a revamped offspeed pitch in his Toronto debut.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:51pm

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In his first start for the Toronto Blue Jays, pitcher Dylan Cease impressed with a dominant 12-strikeout performance that featured a brand new changeup pitch. Cease's changeup, which had averaged below 80 mph for the past five seasons, was clocked at an average of 83.7 mph on Saturday, a significant uptick in velocity.

Why it matters

The development of Cease's changeup is an exciting sign for the Blue Jays, who made the $210 million offseason signing their top priority this winter. A more effective offspeed pitch could help Cease take the next step in his career and become an even more dominant starting pitcher.

The details

Cease's changeup, which he had previously relied on as one of his two main pitches, has now taken on a new look and feel. The pitch averaged 83.7 mph on Saturday, a nearly 4 mph increase from its previous velocity. Cease also threw the changeup more frequently, using it 15% of the time against left-handed batters.

  • Cease's changeup had averaged below 80 mph for the past five seasons.
  • On Saturday, March 29, 2026, Cease debuted his new and improved changeup in his first start for the Blue Jays.

The players

Dylan Cease

A 27-year-old starting pitcher who the Toronto Blue Jays signed to a 7-year, $210 million contract this offseason.

Lance Brozdowski

A baseball analyst who highlighted Cease's changeup velocity increase on social media.

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What they’re saying

“How has nobody posted this lovely video of Dylan Cease's new changeup? #BlueJays For 5 long years, the pitch sat below 80 mph. It averaged 83.7 mph tonight, and he threw it 15% to lefties. Mr. 'Two Pitches' is now throwing 6 and is coming for Skubal's third Cy Young. 👀”

— Lance Brozdowski, Baseball Analyst

What’s next

If Cease can continue to develop his new changeup, it could make him an even more dominant starting pitcher and help the Blue Jays contend for a World Series title this season.

The takeaway

Cease's ability to add a new wrinkle to his arsenal, like the improved changeup, shows his commitment to constantly improving and evolving as a pitcher. This kind of development is exactly what the Blue Jays were hoping for when they made him their top offseason target.