The Toronto Blue Jays shipped off right-hander Kevin Gausman at this year’s trade deadline to the Chicago Cubs.
In exchange, they landed Brett Bateman, who has been excellent during his short time with the Blue Jays.
But it also ended the tenure of Gausman in Toronto, who had been a fan favorite since signing a five-year, $110 million contract before the 2022 season.
Gausman operated as Toronto’s ace for most of that deal, owning a 3.62 ERA with 920 strikeouts across 148 starts for the Jays. He also helped them reach the World Series back in 2025.
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Just like he was five years ago, Gausman is set to enter unrestricted free agency this offseason and he will not get the same deal he got last time. He is still weighing his options and retirement is on the table for the 35-year-old veteran.
However, given how much he enjoyed his time in Toronto, and even owns a property near Rogers Centre, a return is possible.
According to Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun, Gausman admitted it was hard to leave Toronto when the time came. Now he has the chance to return, but the decision is whether or not it makes sense for the Blue Jays.
The Case For a Gausman Reunion
They have plenty of right-handers already with Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage and Jose Soriano locked in for next year, with Jose Berrios and Cody Ponce also in the mix.
However, they could also choose to re-sign Shane Bieber to a new deal as well. If there is anything Toronto learned this year, it is that you can never have enough depth. So getting Gausman back on a shorter, lower-cost deal could be worth a shot.
For a pitcher who already knows the city, the organization and what it takes to win there, the fit still makes sense.
