What to know
- Kevin Gausman was traded to the Chicago Cubs at the MLB Trade Deadline in exchange for prospects Ty Southisene and Brett Bateman, marking the end of his five-season run with the Blue Jays.
- Blue Jays manager John Schneider called Gausman the best free-agent signing in franchise history, praising his consistency, leadership and key role in Toronto’s 2025 World Series championship.
- Fans gave Gausman a standing ovation during what became his final start with Toronto, while the Blue Jays, local organizations and supporters flooded social media with heartfelt tributes.
- Reflecting on his departure, Gausman said joining the Blue Jays was “the best decision I’ve ever made,” thanking the city and country he said he had come to love.
Kevin Gausman’s time in Toronto has come to an end, but the appreciation between the veteran pitcher and Blue Jays fans is showing no signs of fading.
Following his trade to the Chicago Cubs, tributes poured in across social media as teammates, coaches, organizations and supporters reflected on one of the franchise’s most respected players.
The veteran starting pitcher’s trade was announced by the team on Sunday, sending him away to the team across the border.
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In exchange for Gausman, prospects Ty Southisene and Brett Bateman were sent over by the Cubs, pushing a new, younger roster that would look toward future building and success.
John Schneider calls Gausman the franchise’s best free-agent signing
The 35-year-old often began matches for the team, even starting five playoff games during the team’s 2025 World Series run.
As his $110 million, five-year contract comes to a close, Gausman will be remembered by fans for his openness and reliability, according to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Jays coach John Schneider said bringing Gausman on the team was the best free-agent signing the organization as a whole has ever made.
“He’s remarkably consistent, a professional, a good teammate, low maintenance, everything that you want in a front-line dude,” Schneider explained. “He pitched in big games, the postseason, the World Series and Opening Day. He’s exactly what you’re hoping for.”
Gausman ends his Jays run with a total 56 1/3 postseason innings over the course of his career, nearly 150 starts, 53 wins, and an All Star title in 2023.
While Gausman has struggled alongside his teammates this season, with a 4-10 record, a 4.51 earned run average and 123 strikeouts over 121 2/3 innings, he’s still been dubbed the most reliable and consistent starter of the Jays.
Love poured in as Gausman stepped off the mound
This past Saturday was Gausman’s last game as a Jays player.
As he began to walk off the mound following his start , the self-proclaimed part-time Canadian was showered in cheers and a standing ovation.
Toronto organizations and fans pay tribute
The Toronto Blue Jays group went further, celebrating Gausman in multiple posts and thanking him for his time on the team.
Other Toronto organizations joined in on the love, with many commenting on the Jays’ post.
“Thank you, Kevin 💙💙💙” the Toronto Zoo wrote on Instagram.
One fan shared their gratitude under the same post, stating that having Gausman on the team was a stroke of luck.
“…Thank you for embracing our city and our country and for all the contributions to our community and the last year’s run… wish you couldve stayed here and finished the deal,” they wrote.
Another fan shared the sentiment.
“Kevin Gausman is an absolute class act and Blue Jay for life,” they added.
MLB Blue Jays reporter Keegan Matheson stepped out of his usual routine, and shared his own thoughts on Gausman.
“I rarely comment on departing players, but Kevin Gausman is different. A thoughtful, reliable and impressive person to cover,” he explained. “All of the reasons #BlueJays fans were drawn to Gausman are genuine and real.”
‘The best decision I’ve ever made’
Chicago will be Gausman’s sixth team over his 14-year career with MLB.
In a post-win interview on Saturday, Gausman told reporters how meaningful his time with the Jays was.
“I’ve embraced not just the team but the country,” he said. “I really love this city and everything that it stands for. This has been the best decision I’ve ever made to come here.”
