Blue Jays trade Kevin Gausman to Cubs for two prospects
Toronto sent right-hander Kevin Gausman to Chicago in exchange for infield prospect Ty Southisene and outfielder Brett Bateman as the Blue Jays continue roster adjustments before the trade deadline.
Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago Cubs completed a trade that sends right-hand pitcher Kevin Gausman to the Cubs. In return, the Blue Jays receive infielder Ty Southisene, ranked No. 17 in Toronto’s prospect list, and outfielder Brett Bateman, the organization’s No. 21 prospect.
Gausman, who has spent five seasons with Toronto under a $110 million contract, made his final start for the Blue Jays on Saturday and was greeted with a standing ovation from the home crowd. The move marks a shift for a team that entered the season with high expectations after a recent World Series appearance.
"I think Kev will go down as one of the best free-agent signings this organization has made, especially from a pitching standpoint," said Blue Jays senior vice-president John Schneider. "He’s remarkably consistent, a professional, a good teammate, low maintenance, everything that you want in a front-line dude."
Southisene, a fourth-round pick in 2024, has not yet hit a home run in 156 minor-league games but posted a .311 batting average and .431 on-base percentage across Single-A and High-A levels, with 31 steals in 37 attempts. Bateman, 24, posted a .312 average with a .431 on-base percentage and 20 steals in Triple-A this season. Both are considered contact-oriented prospects who could advance quickly within Toronto’s system.
Earlier in the day, Toronto also acquired left-hander Jameson Taillon from Chicago after he was designated for assignment, adding depth to the rotation. The Blue Jays retain additional trade assets, including outfielder George Springer and infielder Daulton Varsho, as they evaluate options before the July 31 deadline.