Blue Jays-Cubs Kevin Gausman trade package could solve problems for both teams

Now that the Toronto Blue Jays are all but confirmed as trade deadline sellers, the name of the game is finding the right suitors for their best assets. There won't be any shortage of contenders this year, so inciting bidding wars and pitting teams against each other shouldn't be much of an issue for Ross Atkins and company.

The real question is what the Blue Jays want in return. There are obvious holes on the roster right now, though it's more important to build for 2027 and beyond. Assuming soon-to-be free agents Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Patrick Corbin, and Max Scherzer don't return next year, it's safe to say starting pitchers would be a good first place to look.

What if they could trade one of those rental pitchers and acquire a starter for the future to pair with Dylan Cease and Trey Yesavage atop the rotation? To do so, they'd have to find a team desperate enough to give up a legitimate pitching prospect for a player with mere months of contract control.

Cubs have the prospect talent and immediate need to make a Blue Jays Kevin Gausman trade worthwhile

The Chicago Cubs have been the Blue Jays of the National League this year; their pitching staff has been simply gutted by injuries, with 12 arms (four starters and eight relievers) currently on the injured list. They remain a contender thanks to an elite offense, but it's clear they have to acquire a frontline starter if they stand any hope of outlasting the Dodgers or Brewers in the postseason.

Gausman fits that bill, even if he's slowed down a bit in his age-35 season. His 4.51 ERA is less telling than the 3.58 FIP he owns through 22 starts, and his command remains top of the line. Maybe the Cubs would prefer more of a strikeout savant if they're going big-fish hunting at the trade deadline, but it'll be hard to find someone with a more durable track record (five straight seasons with 170+ innings pitched) or a cleaner October résumé (3.83 ERA).

The fact that Gausman is a rental with a sizable salary ($23 million, but only $6.92 would be remaining after the deadline) does limit his market, but the Cubs are desperate and will be looking for one-year players instead of adding long-term money to their payroll prior to the lockout. They'll pony up for a pitcher of his caliber.

Jaxon Wiggins is the prize arm in their farm system, but he may be too important to their future to pry away. Brooks Caple is in the midst of a breakout year at Double-A and could be a contender for a 2027 Opening Day roster spot if his improved command sticks at the highest levels. Even Mason McGwire, son of MLB legend Mark McGwire and 2026 Futures Game participant, would be a nice centerpiece to build a return package around.

The point is there's options to pick from, especially if the rest of the market squeezes the Cubs out. Trading Gausman, arguably the best free-agent signing in franchise history, would be a painful exercise, but if the Blue Jays can send him to a true contender while improving their own championship odds for the future at the same time, it's hard to imagine a better resolution to his tenure in Toronto.

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