Blue Jays going with their main man out of the gate to begin ALDS vs Yankees

It's official. The Blue Jays will kick off the American League Division Series versus the Yankees by starting Kevin Gausman, their ace and most consistent pitcher this year.

This news, which most fans were expecting, became official in a press conference with Manager John Schneider on Friday afternoon. Gausman last toed the rubber on Sunday in the final game of the regular season, where he gave up four runs while only lasting three and a third frames. That being said, his recent performance did not prevent this no-brainer decision from taking effect.

Blue Jays going with their main man out of the gate to begin ALDS vs Yankees

The right-hander finished with a record of 10-11 on the year with a 3.59 ERA this season. In the first half of the season, he didn't look like the Gausman that fans are used to, as he ran up his ERA to 4.19. His post-All-Star break turnaround, though, was nothing short of dominant, as he pitched to a 2.81, including a complete game shutout versus the Astros, as he fanned nine.

Not only has he specifically been on a tear during the second half of his 2025 tenure, but he has also been special in September, improving to a 2.78 ERA, his second-best mark in a month this year, behind only his 2.51 ERA in July.

He hasn't only been strong in September, but he's also been strong versus the Yankees specifically this season. Gausman's first September start game against the New York Yankees was one to remember for all the right reasons.

At Yankee Stadium, he was stellar, going eight innings strong while allowing just four hits and one earned run. In the outing prior to his eight-inning performance, he went seven while allowing an earned run and striking out eight.

Before that, he went five while allowing two earned. In total, he's allowed just four earned runs against the Yankees in his last three starts, which Jays fans should be ecstatic about.

Even though he's been the Blue Jays' best pitcher this year and their undisputed ace, it's important to also point to his playoff numbers. Gausman is 0-2 with a 4.91 ERA in eight playoff appearances, but just three were starts. His most recent playoff start was for the Blue Jays in the 2023 Wild Card opener against the Minnesota Twins, where he gave up three runs in four innings, taking the loss.

His second most recent playoff start came against the Seattle Mariners, where he allowed four earned runs over a span of five and a third. Although Gausman's past playoff appearances were shaky, he claims that this year feels different.

Gausman spoke to MLB.com's Keegan Matheson during Friday's press conference. "Now, I understand. We have one team for an entire country. There’s extra pressure with that, but there’s a lot of love that comes with it, too."

The Yankees have yet to announce their game one starter, but the Blue Jays should feel confident in their choice.