MLB Trade Rumors has put Kevin Gausman back on the Blue Jays’ radar, and the fit is easy to see.
In its 2026-27 Top 50 Free Agents with Predictions, the site ranked the former Toronto starter at No. 18 and projected him for a two-year, $44 million deal. Even more notable for Blue Jays fans: two of the three MLBTR experts picked Toronto as the landing spot, while the third sent Gausman to division rival Baltimore, similar to what happened with Chris Bassitt last winter.
The case for a reunion starts with reliability. MLBTR described Gausman as one of the “most consistent and durable workhorses” in the game, and the numbers back that up.
He posted a 4.51 ERA in 2026, but his underlying work still looked strong, with a 6.3% walk rate and a 24.5% strikeout rate across 32 starts. He has also reached at least 31 starts and topped 174 innings in each of the last five seasons.
There’s also the price point. MLBTR pointed out that Gausman has a stronger résumé than Merrill Kelly, who got a two-year, $40 million deal last winter. On that basis, two years and $44 million for Gausman does not look out of line.
Toronto’s connection to Gausman runs deeper than performance. MLBTR noted the emotions he and his family went through when he was traded to the Chicago Cubs at the deadline, and that Toronto had really become home for them. Gausman also showed some affection for the city in a recent Halloween family photo, wearing a Maple Leafs jersey.
If the Blue Jays did bring him back, he would not be stepping into the ace role again. Dylan Cease handled that spot with his outstanding 2026 in Toronto. But as a middle-to-back-end arm, Gausman would still give the rotation more stability and make the starting five look more complete going into next season.
It could also bring a little extra energy to the clubhouse. And for Gausman, it would offer a chance to close the loop and go after a World Series title with the team he poured so much into over most of this decade.
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