With the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline rapidly approaching, questions about Kevin Gausman's future with the Toronto Blue Jays are only continuing to surface. The 35-year-old pitcher is a pending free agent and could end up being a prime trade chip for the ice-cold Blue Jays because of it.
On Wednesday, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal revealed the eight teams that are currently on Gausman's no-trade list. Per Rosenthal, the Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, Athletics, Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Seattle Mariners are the teams that Gausman can block a trade to.
The eight teams to which Kevin Gausman can block a trade, according to people briefed on his contract: Reds, Brewers, Tigers, Mets, A’s, White Sox, Pirates, Mariners. Most teams likely to be interested are free to acquire him without restriction.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 22, 2026
When looking at the teams on Gausman's no-trade list, there is a clear theme. Besides the Milwaukee Brewers, none of these teams stand out as major contenders. In fact, the Reds, Tigers, Mets, and Athletics are all below .500 at this stage in the season.
With this, it is clear that Gausman wants to play for a top team if he ends up being traded by the Blue Jays ahead of the deadline. It is not difficult to understand why, as the two-time All-Star is 35 years old and came just one win away from winning the World Series last year. Thus, the clock is ticking for him to win his first World Series ring.
If the Blue Jays were to trade Gausman, it would certainly be a significant move. The veteran pitcher has been a key part of their rotation over each of the last five seasons. However, if the Blue Jays do not turn things around quickly, they may have no choice but to move on from the 14-year veteran.
Which teams could target Blue Jays' Gausman?
With Gausman's no-trade list being revealed, we now know which teams are unlikely to acquire the veteran pitcher this season. However, there are still multiple teams that have the chance to land Gausman by the deadline.
A few teams that could make sense as suitors for Gausman at the deadline include the Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Houston Astros. Each of these teams could use pitching help, and Gausman would be a solid pickup for any of them because of it.
It will be very interesting to see what the Blue Jays decide to do with Gausman this season. Even if he has had a tough year for his standards, his strong resume should lead to plenty of teams expressing interest in him as we continue to get closer to the deadline.
