Kevin Gausman's postseason run in 2026 ends with a much louder thud than it did with Blue Jays

Kevin Gausman spent the 2025 postseason reminding the whole baseball world that he's an ace. He dominated the Yankees in the ALDS, similarly cruised in two starts (and a relief appearance) against the Mariners in the ALCS, and did his best to keep the mighty Dodgers off the board in the World Series. Without him, it's impossible to imagine the Toronto Blue Jays going as far as they did.

With that history in mind, it's no wonder that the Chicago Cubs made an aggressive move for him at the trade deadline. With their backs against the wall after getting blown out in Game 1 of the Wild Card round, it was only fitting that they turned to Gausman to try and save their season.

Unfortunately, a lifeless Cubs offense and over-aggressive managing by Craig Counsell did them in. Gausman, dealing with a left shoulder injury, gave everything he could; his final line (3.1 innings, three earned runs, one strikeout) doesn't do his performance justice, as one of those runs scored after he was taken out of the game. Alas, his season is now over, with his new team securing the same amount of playoff wins as the Blue Jays.

Now, the two-time All-Star must confront the uncertainty of his future.

Kevin Gausman will likely choose between retirement and Blue Jays reunion this offseason

Prior to the season, Gausman had openly discussed the possibility of retirement. He's due to hit free agency this offseason for the first time since signing his five-year mega-deal with the Blue Jays, and the idea of moving his family around again to chase another chance at a World Series ring might not be quite as appealing as it was five years ago.

Thus, if the does choose to keep playing, a reunion with the Blue Jays makes a lot of sense. Various MLB insiders have suggested that could be in the cards this winter, with Gausman taking one last contract to return to Toronto. A fan favourite around these parts, such a move would certainly be welcomed with open arms by the Rogers Centre faithful.

Due to turn 36 in January, any sort of reunion would certainly be on a short-term (and likely one year) basis. With the lockout set to hit on Dec. 1, one would expect Gausman to sign or retire before that date so that he and his family can have some certainty about their future home.

If this was the end of the road for the right-hander, it's a disappointing ending that shouldn't take away from his legendary tenure with the Jays. If one final act is still in store... well, let's just hope it takes place in Toronto.

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