The Chicago Cubs acquired right-handed pitcher Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays in a trade finalized on Sunday. The move adds a veteran arm to the Cubs’ rotation. According to team president Jed Hoyer, the organization had pursued Gausman for years, finally securing the 35-year-old before the trade deadline.
Gausman’s Role in the Revamped Cubs Rotation
Kevin Gausman joins a Chicago pitching staff that has undergone significant changes following multiple deadline deals. Alongside the addition of Gausman, the Cubs acquired reliever Ryan Zeferjahn and left-hander Braxton Garrett. These moves complement a rotation that already features Clay Holmes, providing manager Craig Counsell with increased depth and flexibility.
Gausman brings a track record of durability to Chicago. Over the previous five seasons, he has consistently provided high-volume work, reaching at least 31 starts and 174 2/3 innings annually. His most recent outing for Toronto saw him deliver 5 2/3 innings of one-run baseball in a 5-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
Did you know?
Kevin Gausman played a key role in Toronto’s 2025 postseason run, recording a 2.93 ERA across six starts. He expressed his motivation to return to the Fall Classic, noting that once a player experiences the World Series, the goal becomes getting back there with their new club.
Managerial Strategy and Roster Adjustments
The arrival of new pitching talent has forced immediate roster shifts. Left-hander Antoine Kelly was optioned to Triple-A Iowa to make space for Gausman on the active roster. Furthermore, the team has moved right-hander Colin Rea to the bullpen for the time being, opting to bypass his most recent turn in the starting rotation.
Craig Counsell indicated that the team’s new configuration may require players to adapt to unfamiliar roles. “We’re going to have guys pitch at doing things they maybe haven’t done in the past as much,” Counsell said. He added that the team is currently managing internal competition for spots within the rotation, with several players, including Edward Cabrera, Daniel Palencia, and Hoby Milner, currently on rehab assignments in Triple-A.
Performance Metrics and Recent History
Gausman enters his Cubs tenure with a 5-10 record and a 4.38 ERA across 23 starts this season. While he struggled against his new team on June 19—allowing seven runs over two innings in a 16-2 loss—the organization is prioritizing his long-term consistency. Gausman is scheduled to make his first start for Chicago this Friday against the Kansas City Royals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who did the Cubs trade to get Kevin Gausman?
The Cubs acquired Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays. In a corresponding move, the team optioned left-hander Antoine Kelly to Triple-A Iowa. - When is Kevin Gausman’s first start for the Cubs?
Gausman is expected to make his debut for Chicago on Friday night against the Kansas City Royals. - What other pitchers did the Cubs add at the deadline?
The Cubs also acquired reliever Ryan Zeferjahn and left-hander Braxton Garrett, in addition to Gausman.
Stay up to date with the latest Chicago Cubs roster moves and trade deadline analysis. Subscribe to our newsletter for daily updates, or explore our archives for more in-depth coverage of the 2025 season.