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Jim Bowden pours cold water on these free agent Blue Jays reunions

The former GM doesn't see a fit with three players who were in Blue Jays uniforms just last season.
ByGraeme Wallace
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Jul 19, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) in the dug out during the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Jul 19, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) in the dug out during the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Three former Toronto Blue Jays players were featured in Jim Bowden’s “Top 40 free agents for 2026-27” contract predictions and best team fits article in The Athletic.

Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, and Daulton Varsho all made the list in what many consider a weak free-agent class. Bowden poured cold water on the idea that any of these players will reunite with the Blue Jays.

Gausman is 25th on the list, despite being past his days as a top-of-the-rotation starter. Bowden profiles the veteran as a middle- or back-end-of-the-rotation innings eater who can also mentor younger pitchers on a staff. Gausman’s splitter and fastball still generate whiffs, but the right-hander gave up more hard contact with both pitches last season, and his slider hasn’t been useful over the past couple of campaigns. 

Highlighting Gausman’s ability to be a leader on a staff is something that should be appealing to the team that Bowden names as the best fit for Gausman: the Chicago White Sox.

The Southsiders have young pitchers Sean Burke and Davis Martin on their staff, with another former Blue Jays' pitcher, Anthony Kay, with little MLB experience. 

But that’s exactly why Toronto should also consider signing the 35-year-old. With a rotation that projects to include Dylan Cease, José Soriano, Trey Yesavage, and Cody Ponce, Gausman could fill that mentor role while still providing effective innings in the back end of the rotation and could be an ideal fit.

Shane Bieber and Daulton Varsho are riskier free agent targets for Blue Jays

Bieber is next up at No. 26, and his injury history with the Blue Jays is a big reason the team should be wary of a reunion. He missed several starts with elbow inflammation and struggled with command before returning to the IL in late August. Bowden predicts Bieber will return to Cleveland, where the 31-year-old had his greatest success, as a two-time All-Star and was the 2020 Cy Young Award winner.

Any team that signs Bieber is taking a risk. Bowden predicts a one-year, $20 million contract, pending medical assessments; it would be a particularly significant investment for the perennially cash-strapped Guardians.

Varsho is  No. 30 on Bowden’s list and, unlike Gausman and Bieber, has three teams, the Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Kansas City Royals, listed as best fits. 

The Gold Glove-winning outfielder altered his approach at the plate, resulting in fewer strikeouts but also less hard contact and power production. His defense also took a plunge last season, according to advanced metrics and eye tests.

Brett Bateman was a bright spot for the Blue Jays down the stretch after making his MLB debut in August. Bateman was acquired from the Chicago Cubs in the Gausman deal last season and has the inside track on the starting center fielder job come spring training.

The 24-year-old will need to earn his spot with a strong camp, and the Blue Jays may add to their outfield group, but given Varsho’s injury history and inconsistencies, he’s not the play here.

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