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Kevin Gausman could be a sensible reunion target for the Blue Jays

Kevin Gausman’s age and recent regression create legitimate concerns, but the former Toronto ace could still strengthen the rotation
ByEdward Eng
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Sep 9, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Kevin Gausman (12) during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Sep 9, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Kevin Gausman (12) during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

When the Toronto Blue Jays dealt pitcher Kevin Gausman at the trade deadline to the Chicago Cubs this past season, it ended an era of dominance of Gausman in a Blue Jays uniform. The 35-year-old was responsible for Toronto much of the team's success over the last few years. He was also a fan favourite among the Blue Jays’ faithful as well.

Gausman was on an expiring contract, and the Cubs took a chance on him as rental at the deadline. The Cubs failed to make it out of the Wild Card series and Gausman is a free agent. Perhaps there is a chance the Blue Jays actively pursue a reunion with Gausman this offseason. Given what he has accomplished with the Blue Jays, it feels like bringing him back would be a no-brainer.

Taking a look at the numbers, Gausman’s first four seasons with the organization is exactly what the Blue Jays signed up for: a sub-4.00 ERA and double digits in wins each year, along with big-time durability as he made at least 31 starts and pitched at least 174 innings in each of those four seasons. He was even a finalist for the AL Cy Young Award in 2023.

2026 was another story though, as Gausman had his worst campaign since signing with the Blue Jays. He posted a 9-12 record with a 4.51 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. He gave up 89 earned runs including 26 home runs with 184 strikeouts in 177.2 innings pitched. Those numbers are still quite respectable for an MLB pitcher, but considered a bit of a drop off for someone with Gausman’s pedigree.

The Blue Jays have to try to answer whether his regression is real or can he return to his previous form? After all, he will be 36 by the time the 2027 season gets underway. If Gausman is looking for a long-term deal the Blue Jays probably aren't going to be in his market.

If Gausman is willing to take a one year deal similar to his former teammates Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer, he may be worth the re-investment. Keeping the commitment and the expectations low could benefit everyone involved. Gausman was hinting at retirement earlier this season and that could be a big factor in whether there are any negotiations at all.

The Blue Jays already have the foundations of a formidable rotation. Lining up Dylan Cease at the top along with Trey Yesavage and José Soriano, the Blue Jays must consider what they are looking for in the pitching market. They will have a boat load of internal candidates vying for those 4-5 spots such as Cody Ponce, Bowden Francis, and Spencer Miles.

But as everyone saw with the way 2026 unfolded, you can never have enough pitching, it's just a matter of whether or not the Blue Jays decide they need to shop at the top of the market where Tarik Skubal is sitting, somewhere in the middle to land a Freddy Peralta, or go after a back-end supplemental piece like Gausman.

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