Cubs Purchase Kevin Gausman From Blue Jays in Deadline Pitching Improve

The Chicago Cubs added veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman in a commerce with the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, giving their rotation a serious enhance earlier than the MLB commerce deadline.

Chicago despatched Triple-A outfielder Brett Bateman and Class-A infielder Ty Southisene to Toronto in change for Gausman, who brings years of expertise and postseason success to a Cubs crew preventing for a playoff spot.

Kevin Gausman Joins Cubs Rotation

The 35-year-old pitcher joins a Cubs rotation that features Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, and not too long ago acquired left-hander David Peterson.

Chicago hopes Gausman will help enhance a pitching employees that has struggled to restrict energy hitters and create strikeouts this season.

The Cubs’ beginning rotation entered the commerce deadline with a 4.23 ERA, rating 14th in Major League Baseball. The crew additionally ranked close to the underside in opponent slugging proportion and residential runs allowed, making pitching assist a precedence.

According to the NY Post, Gausman has a 5-10 file with a 4.38 ERA and 127 strikeouts in 23 begins this season. While his numbers have dropped in comparison with earlier years, he stays a confirmed starter with worthwhile playoff expertise.

The right-hander has recorded a 3.83 ERA in 14 profession postseason video games. He additionally helped the Toronto Blue Jays attain the World Series final 12 months, displaying he can deal with stress conditions.

“Kevin is a proven major league starter with high-stakes experience,” the Cubs mentioned whereas including him to their roster. The crew believes his expertise and pitching capability can strengthen its push towards October baseball.

Kevin Gausman’s Strong History

Gausman has been one in every of baseball’s most dependable pitchers in current seasons. Since 2021, he has thrown the third-most innings within the majors and leads all pitchers within the Statcast period with 490 strikeouts utilizing his splitter.

However, his 2026 season with Toronto included some troublesome stretches. He posted a 6.47 ERA over his final eight begins with the Blue Jays, ESPN reported.

His hardest outing got here at Wrigley Field, the place he allowed seven runs in solely two innings. Despite that battle, Gausman completed his closing begin with Toronto on a robust notice, permitting one run over 5⅔ innings in opposition to the Cardinals.

The Cubs are anticipated to make use of Gausman close to the highest of their rotation as they proceed chasing the Milwaukee Brewers within the National League Central race. Chicago entered the deadline six and a half video games behind Milwaukee.

For Toronto, the commerce provides younger expertise to its farm system. Bateman, 24, was hitting .312 in 81 video games for Triple-A Iowa earlier than the deal. Southisene, 21, was batting .311 throughout two Class-A ranges and had recorded 31 stolen bases this season.