The Chicago Cubs have acquired an All-Star pitcher of their own before the MLB trade deadline.
Several reports confirmed Sunday that the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to trade Kevin Gausman to Chicago. The Cubs reportedly traded shortstop Ty Southisene and outfielder Brett Bateman to acquire him.
The 2-time All-Star joins a Cubs team that had been desperately searching for playoff-caliber starting pitching leading up to the Aug. 3 deadline.
The 35-year-old righty is in the final season of a 5-year, $110 million contract he signed with the Blue Jays back in 2021. He was an integral part of the team’s run to the World Series last season.
Gausman got a standing ovation from the Toronto faithful Saturday as he walked off the mound after 5.2 innings against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Kevin Gausman exits the game to a standing ovation from the Blue Jays faithful 🥹 pic.twitter.com/sdhyCJ9wXR
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 1, 2026
The veteran pitcher expressed his appreciation right back as he spoke to reporters after the game.
“I’ve embraced not just the team but the country,” Guasman said after his final start in a Blue Jays uniform. “I really love this city and everything that it stands for. This has been the best decision I’ve ever made to come here.”
Gausman has not been as sharp this season as in years past. He has a 4.38 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across 23 starts — his worst mark in both categories since the 2019 season. But the Cubs at least know Gausman can deliver in the postseason.
The Colorado native had a 2.93 ERA over 6 games (5 starts) during the 2025 playoffs.
