What to know
- Blue Jays fans are lauding Kevin Gausman’s contribution to the franchise as speculation grows over his future ahead of the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline.
- Gausman has emerged as a potential trade candidate because he is in the final year of his contract, but no trade has been announced and the Blue Jays have not indicated they plan to move him.
- Fans have described Gausman as one of the franchise’s best free-agent signings and thanked him for his contributions over five seasons in Toronto.
- Gausman said after Tuesday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Rays that he isn’t focused on trade speculation, adding: “I’m a Blue Jay right now.”
- The 35-year-old helped lead Toronto to Game 7 of the World Series in 2025 and has become one of the club’s most respected veteran leaders.
Blue Jays fans aren’t waiting for the MLB trade deadline on August 3 before showing Kevin Gausman how much he means to them.
As the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline draws closer, speculation continues to build around Toronto’s plans. The veteran right-hander has emerged as a potential trade candidate as the Blue Jays sit outside the playoff picture and Gausman enters the final season of his contract.
Nothing has been announced, and the Blue Jays have given no indication they plan to move him. Still, that uncertainty has sparked an emotional response from fans, many of whom have taken to social media to thank the 35-year-old for his five seasons in Toronto.
Fans celebrate Gausman’s Blue Jays legacy
“You gave everything to this city and I will love you forever for that,” one fan wrote on X.
Another called Gausman “one of the best free-agent signings this franchise has ever made.”
“If that was Kevin Gausman’s last start at Rogers Centre, thank you for everything,” the post continued. “A pleasure to watch.”
Others urged fans to show their appreciation ahead of the Tampa Bay game on July 21 while they still had the chance.
“To anyone going to the game today, regardless of how today’s outing goes, I need everyone to give Kevin Gausman the loudest standing ovation possible,” one fan wrote.
“He has given everything he has to this team and this country. If this is it, we love you.”
Several fans also pointed to Gausman’s role in last year’s postseason run.
“Kevin Gausman pitched his absolute N*TS off for this team in the playoffs last year, and it’s a damn shame we couldn’t get him a ring here,” another post read.
Others simply hoped the speculation wouldn’t become reality.
“I’m sorry but George Springer and Kevin Gausman are meant to finish their careers as Blue Jays,” one fan wrote. “Seeing either of them traded would be gut wrenching.”
Gausman remains focused on Toronto
The wave of appreciation follows Tuesday night’s 12-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. After the game, Gausman was asked whether the outing could have been his final home start at Rogers Centre if Toronto decides to make a move before the deadline.
The veteran acknowledged the thought had crossed his mind but made it clear he isn’t dwelling on it.
“I’m not going to think about that too much,” Gausman told reporters.
“I’m a Blue Jay right now and the focus is this team, this room and those guys. That’s where my mind is at right now.”
“That is kind of crazy to think about.”
He also admitted the Blue Jays’ difficult season has been frustrating.
“I think we’re all frustrated,” Gausman said.
“We know what this team can do and what it has done. Nobody wants to be in this situation that we’re in right now.”
An uncertain future
Gausman signed a five-year, US$110-million contract with Toronto before the 2022 season. Since then, he has become one of the club’s most dependable starters and helped lead the Blue Jays to Game 7 of the World Series in 2025.
Whether he remains in Toronto beyond the trade deadline remains unknown.
For now, fans are reflecting on everything Gausman has given the organization. Gausman, meanwhile, says his attention remains exactly where it has been all season.
“I’m a Blue Jay right now.”
