Blue Jays trade fan favorite Kevin Gausman to Cubs (and the return feels hollow)

It's the end of an era in Toronto. Kevin Gausman is no longer a Blue Jay, having been shipped off to Chicago in a blockbuster deal with massive ramifications for the team's future.

This was a widely expected move in league circles, with the Jays all but certain to be sellers at the trade deadline while sitting in the AL East cellar. This now sets the stage for the team to move various other pieces prior to the end of tomorrow, including Daulton Varsho and Shane Bieber.

This also marks the second trade of the day between these two teams, though this one is of a far higher profile. The first involved DFA'd starter Jameson Taillon, whom the Blue Jays acquired for cash considerations.

In return for Gausman, GM Ross Atkins was able to pry infielder Ty Southisene and outfielder Brett Bateman out of the Cubs' farm system. The two ranked No. 13 and No. 21, respectively, on MLB Pipeline's list of the top Cubs prospects prior to the deal.

Blue Jays receive very safe, low-ceiling package in exchange for Kevin Gausman

Before we get into the prospect talent the Blue Jays just picked up, it's important that we acknowledge the end of Gausman's brilliant tenure. One of the very best free-agent signings in franchise history, the right-hander was a Cy Young contender and All-Star early in his tenure in Toronto before dominating during last year's World Series run.

No matter what comes next for this core, losing one of the leaders and figureheads of Canadian baseball in the 2020s will be a tough pill to swallow. Hopefully, he can be the ace the Cubs desperately need and pilot them backed to the promised land.

As for the players coming back, it's easy to feel a little slighted by this return. Getting two prospects outside the top 10 in a relatively weak farm system for an ace isn't exactly Atkins' best decision ever, but there's more than meets the eye with both players.

Southisene, a fourth-round pick in 2024, is the bigger name here. The 21-year-old is regarded as an excellent defender at the middle infield positions and is hitting .311/.431/.378 between Low-A and High-A this season. He has absolutely no power to speak of (zero homers, .067 ISO), but he's an incredibly mature hitter with big-time speed (31 steals so far this year, 41 last year) and a superb glove. In a sense, he's kind of like Andrés Giménez with a better plate approach and less power.

Bateman is also having a big year in Triple-A, posting an .853 OPS and 126 wRC+. He's closer to the big leagues and is a strong outfield defender, but he also lacks significant pop (three homers). It wouldn't be surprising to see him get some time in Toronto before the end of the season, especially if Varsho is dealt before the deadline.

In effect, this is a low-ceiling, high-floor prospect package. That feels pretty hollow for someone of Gausman's stature, but this is just the first trade of many we're expecting Ross Atkins to make. Perhaps it'll be easier to appreciate this deal when we have the full breadth of the Blue Jays' moves to review.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow