In the heart of Dunedin, Florida, Kevin Gausman stood on the Yankee Stadium mound with a beer in hand and champagne stains on his undershirt. His daughters, Sadie and Sutton, joined him, clutching his hand as he rose, goggles from a clubhouse celebration perched on his head.
This scene, unfolding after the Toronto Blue Jays' victory over the New York Yankees in the 2025 American League Division Series, encapsulated Gausman's dual passions: winning and family. As he enters his 14th big-league season, the balance between these two might soon shift, with retirement on the horizon.
Gausman, now 35 and in the final year of his contract with Toronto, has been contemplating stepping away from the game. "I think it’s definitely a possibility," Gausman shared.
"I’ve loved my time here. But right now, I’m just focused on this year, giving everything I have for this organization and this team."
Throughout his tenure in Toronto, Gausman has been a cornerstone of the rotation, propelling the Blue Jays into regular postseason contention. Alongside Zack Wheeler and Dylan Cease, he's one of only three pitchers to notch over 1,000 strikeouts in the past five seasons. His consistent excellence has earned him top-10 finishes in Cy Young voting three times and appearances in every postseason round.
For Gausman, a World Series title remains the elusive pinnacle. If the Blue Jays clinch a championship, it would fulfill his career aspirations. Reflecting on his journey, Gausman recalls his MLB debut at Rogers Centre in 2013, where a chorus of boos from 20,000 Blue Jays fans marked his welcome to the big leagues.
Over the years, Gausman has navigated the ups and downs of professional baseball. From being waived and released to becoming an All-Star and signing a $110 million deal with Toronto, his career has been a testament to resilience. Alongside his wife, Taylor, Gausman has built a family, and any retirement decision will be made with them in mind.
"My kids are only getting older," Gausman mused. "The more you push that envelope, the more you’re risking.
What’s the positive? What’s the negative?"
Gausman strives for consistency in all aspects of life, whether on the mound or at home. In his four seasons with the Blue Jays, he has been a model of reliability, making at least 31 starts each year. His presence in the clubhouse is steady, offering insights and support whenever needed.
"Kev doesn’t speak very loudly," manager John Schneider noted. "But when he does, every single person listens."
Game 6 of the World Series remains a poignant memory for Gausman. With Toronto leading the series 3-2, he had the opportunity to secure a championship for his team.
Despite pitching six solid innings, the Jays fell 3-1, as Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered an exceptional performance. The "what ifs" of that series linger, particularly for Gausman.
"I’ll think about Game 6 for the rest of my life," Gausman admitted. "Playing at home, I had a chance to pitch my team to a championship. I really took that personally."
After 13 seasons, Gausman found himself close to the ultimate prize. He cherished the moments with his daughters following the Division and Championship Series wins, but there was a sense of unfinished business.
Following his Game 6 outing, Gausman walked through the Rogers Centre tunnels, spotting a stage adorned with World Series logos being wheeled away. It was ready for a celebration that never came.
With a chuckle, he continued on, reuniting with his family. As he looks ahead to what might be his final season, Gausman hopes for a different ending-one where he meets his family on the field, celebrating a World Series triumph.