The Blue Jays made the World Series, and even after falling short, they’re committed to spending big this winter to get back and win it all in 2026 and beyond.
Their first major move proved they’re serious – signing Dylan Cease to a $210 million contract. It’s an expensive deal, but for the next seven years, Toronto’s got a consistent and reliable arm anchoring their rotation.
A few days after the deal became official, the Blue Jays revealed Cease’s uniform number. And just like how the organization’s making big changes, Cease’s jersey number brings about something that’s never happened in franchise history.
“The FIRST player to wear Number 84 in Blue Jays history: Dylan Cease,” the Blue Jays revealed on Twitter/X.
Cease will be the first player to wear a jersey with “84” on the back in Blue Jays history. With all the players that’ve come through the organization over the years, it’s kind of wild to see a uniform number get its first recipient.
But here’s the thing – Toronto’s only retired two jersey numbers. 42 for Jackie Robinson and 32 for Roy Halladay. That leaves plenty of iconic numbers available for the taking.
84 isn’t the only jersey that’s never been worn in Blue Jays history. Here’s what’s still unclaimed:
• 75, 76, 78, 80, 81, 82, 83, 86, 87, 89, 94, 95, 96, 97, and 98
That’s 16 jersey numbers left without at least one player to wear them in Blue Jays history, down from 17 after Cease claimed 84.
There’s a nice connection brewing here too. His number neighbor, 85, is worn by Alejandro Kirk. The new pitcher-catcher duo will see plenty of action together, with 84 throwing to 85 throughout the coming seasons.
It’s a small detail, but it shows how the Blue Jays are building something new. When you’re making franchise history with something as simple as a jersey number, it feels like the right time for bigger changes ahead.
