Cubs Could Lose Kevin Gausman To Old Team In Free Agency

The Chicago Cubs could lose a ton of players this coming offseason. 

The Cubs have a long list of impending free agents. That list includes players like Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Shota Imanaga, Michael Conforto, and Tyrone Taylor. It also includes Matthew Boyd, Carson Kelly, and Clay Holmes, all of whom will likely decline their options. 

One of the bigger names entering free agency for this team is Kevin Gausman. 

The Cubs acquired Gausman at the August trade deadline in exchange for outfielder Brett Bateman and infielder Ty Southisene. That was a big move at the time because Gausman filled that frontline starter role that Chicago desperately needed for the stretch run. 

However, Gausman wasn’t as consistent over the final few months with the Cubs. He had a 4.83 ERA across nine starts to end the regular season. The veteran right-hander allowed at least two runs in seven of those nine outings and had multiple poor outings on the mound. 

Gausman allowed six runs across 4 ⅔ innings against the Nationals on August 13, gave up five runs across five innings against the Reds on August 29, and allowed seven runs (six earned runs) across four innings against the Brewers on September 9. 

Even in the postseason, Gausman didn’t step up when the team needed him most. He allowed three runs on five hits and struck out one batter across 3 ⅓ innings against the San Diego Padres in Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Round. 

Despite his inconsistencies on the mound down the stretch, the Cubs would probably be open to a reunion in free agency. The team needs some pitching help, and Gausman can step up as a top-of-the-line starter. 

However, it appears that Gausman could return to the team that traded him away at the deadline. 

Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reported that Gausman could sign with the Blue Jays in free agency. He writes that “it’s unclear if Gausman’s playing days are over. If he returns, a reunion with Toronto seems likely.” 

The 35-year-old is obviously extremely familiar with Toronto. The best seasons of his career actually came with the Blue Jays, and he spent five seasons with the team from 2022 to 2026. During those five years, Gausman had a 3.62 ERA and 920 strikeouts across 861 innings. 

The Cubs could be losing Gausman this offseason if there’s mutual interest in a return to Toronto.