Toronto Blue Jays Trade Fan Favorite Kevin Gausman to Chicago Cubs
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The Toronto Blue Jays are making their first major move of the trade deadline.
The Blue Jays are trading right-handed starting pitcher Kevin Gausman to the Chicago Cubs, according to Ken Rosenthal and Mitch Bannon of The Athletic (subscription required). The complete return was not immediately reported. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that the return included infielder Ty Southisene and outfielder Brett Bateman, both of which are Cubs prospects.
The move ends Gausman’s five-year run in Toronto and confirms that the Blue Jays are willing to sell and cut off fat from the team in order to make a real postseason run in 2027.
Gausman made what became his final Toronto start Saturday, allowing one run across 5 2/3 innings against the St. Louis Cardinals. He received a standing ovation from the Rogers Centre crowd as he left the field.
The 35-year-old finishes his 2026 Blue Jays season at 5-10 with a 4.38 ERA across 23 starts. His record and ERA reflected an up and down season, but his 3.51 FIP and continued ability to generate swings-and-misses suggested he remained a useful deadline target.
Toronto Moves a Veteran Presence
Gausman signed a five-year, $110 million contract with Toronto before the 2022 season and became one of the franchise’s most successful free-agent additions. He led the American League with 237 strikeouts in 2023, finished third in Cy Young Award voting and helped the Blue Jays reach the World Series in 2025.
Chicago acquires an experienced starter capable of providing innings in a postseason rotation without needing to serve as its ace. Gausman becomes a free agent after the season, making him a mercenary for the Cubs.
Toronto acquired Jameson Taillon from Chicago earlier Sunday, giving the Blue Jays another veteran starter before moving Gausman.
The return gives Toronto two prospects at differing stages of development.
Southisene, 21, ranked No. 13 in Chicago’s system and hit .311/.431/.378 with 31 stolen bases across two Class A levels this season. His power remains a big question mark, but his contact skills and swing decisions are areas that the Blue Jays can hone as time goes on.
Bateman, 24, ranked No. 21 and is closer to the Major Leagues after batting .312/.431/.422 with 20 stolen bases at Triple-A Iowa. Neither player is a blue-chip prospect, but Toronto added one near-ready depth option and one developmental project for a rental in Gausman, who will play for a contender the rest of the season.
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Wesley Dixon is a sports writer focused on thoughtful analysis, roster-building angles, player development and feature-style storytelling. He has covered the Philadelphia 76ers and the NBA, with work centered on breaking down team direction, player fit and the larger stories behind the game. Wesley is a lifelong MLB fan, following multiple teams throughout the league. He is excited to bring that same detail-oriented approach to On SI.