Kevin Gausman was always going to make at least one more start for the Toronto Blue Jays.
In the final season of his five-year contract with the Blue Jays, Gausman is considered to be one of Toronto's most valuable trade candidates ahead of Monday's 6 p.m. ET deadline.
Starters in his position are often held back from pitching in the days ahead of the trade cutoff, as New York Mets righty Freddy Peralta was on Friday, but according to Blue Jays manager John Schneider, that was never in the cards for Gausman.
“No, there wasn’t one conversation about not doing it..." Schneider said to reporters ahead of Saturday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals (Sportsnet, 3:07 p.m. ET / 12:07 p.m. PT). "It was never brought up.”
Gausman, 35, ranks in the top 10 in career Blue Jays starts, strikeouts and ERA, and was a crucial part of Toronto’s rotation during its 2025 World Series run.
He pitched to a 3.48 ERA over his first four years with the Blue Jays prior to 2026. Gausman also had an American League-leading 237 strikeouts during his second season with the team, made the all-star team and finished third in Cy Young voting.
The five-year, $110-million contract he signed during the 2022 off-season was the largest the Blue Jays had ever given to a starting pitcher at the time.
“Kev will go down as one of the best free agent signings the organization has made, especially from a pitching standpoint," Schneider said. "He's remarkably consistent, professional, good teammate, low maintenance. Everything that you want from a frontline dude."
But the right-hander’s numbers have taken a hit this season. Gausman has a 4.51 ERA with 123 strikeouts and 35 walks over 121.2 innings entering Saturday's start against the Cardinals.
Regardless, Gausman will likely be showered with adoration for his four-and-a-half years of service by the Blue Jays faithful on Saturday, in case it's their final chance.
He will also aim to twirl one last gem in Blue Jays threads, too, when first pitch flies against the Cardinals on Saturday afternoon.
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