In a surprising twist, Toronto Blue Jays ace Kevin Gausman is contemplating hanging up his cleats while still at the top of his game. At 35, Gausman is entering the final year of his five-year, $110 million deal with the Jays, and the future beyond 2026 remains uncertain.
Gausman shared his thoughts with Mitch Bannon of The Athletic, saying, "I think it's definitely a possibility. I have really loved my time here.
Do I know what's ahead of me? I don't know.
No idea. It's something that I have definitely thought about in the offseason."
Despite this contemplation, Gausman is laser-focused on the upcoming season. His contributions were pivotal last year, as he pitched 193 innings with a 3.59 ERA and 189 strikeouts. He elevated his game in the playoffs, boasting a 2.93 ERA over 30.2 innings.
Looking ahead, Gausman is set to be a cornerstone of a formidable Blue Jays rotation. Alongside him are Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, and Jose Berrios, with the team bolstering their lineup by signing Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce.
The Blue Jays are poised to be contenders once more in 2026. With the talent they have, a return to the World Series is well within reach. For Gausman, capturing a championship could be the perfect capstone to an illustrious career.