Kevin Gausman's playoff exit interview fuels Toronto Blue Jays reunion rumours
Wednesday marked the end of the Chicago Cubs postseason — and potentially the end of the road for former Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman's time with his new team.
Gausman took the mound in Game 2 of the best-of-three NL Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres, pitching 3.1 innings and taking the loss as Chicago was eliminated.
The Cubs acquired Gausman from Toronto at the trade deadline in exchange for Brett Bateman and infield prospect Ty Southisene, hoping the veteran starter's postseason experience would help them make a deep run in October.
Turns out the Cubs were eliminated before October even started.
The 35-year-old's post-game interview was emotional, with him possibly hinting that his time in Chicago could already be over.
"A lot of these guys are coming back, so I'm excited for them, excited for this group. I do think they'll be back in the postseason next year," Gausman said.
"It's always tough leaving a group and saying goodbye to guys. Unfortunately, I've had a lot of heartbreak in this game."
Kevin Gausman reflects on his start tonight ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/jzTRH4Etuk
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) October 1, 2026
Gausman is in the final year of a five-year, $110-million deal he signed with Toronto ahead of the 2022 season.
And even though he won't become a free agent until November, there have been some signals that a Blue Jays reunion might be in the cards.
When he was traded, Gausman said on the 6ix Inning Stretch podcast that he fully plans on returning to the city whenever he retires.
He also hasn't listed his Lawrence Park home for sale and even made a trip back to Toronto a few weeks ago during a Cubs off-day to spend the day around the city with his wife, Taylor.
After Gausman spoke about the goodbyes, reporters asked him if he'd be in a Cubs uniform next season following Wednesday's postseason loss; Gausman said it's still something he has to decide.
"I need to talk with my wife and figure that out. I've been doing this [for a] pretty long time [and] my kids are only getting older. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it," he said.
"I had a great time here. I really loved pitching at Wrigley [Field]. It was a lot of fun; I was really looking forward to seeing a postseason game there."
Whether the Blue Jays will choose to pursue him come the off-season remains the big question.
However, the fact that three of Toronto's eight starting pitchers currently on the roster are on expiring contracts means acquiring starting pitching depth will likely be an off-season priority.
Gausman had an up-and-down year on the mound for Toronto and Chicago. He recorded his highest strikeout percentage in his last three seasons, but overall, numbers regressed across the board.
If Toronto were to bring him back, it would surely be on a one- or two-year deal, and Gausman likely would step into a back-end rotational role similar to what Max Scherzer had for the team the previous two seasons.
There hasn't been any indication by the Blue Jays front office on their off-season priorities outside of pursuing a home-run hitter. But given Gausman's familiarity with the organization and city, the door might not be completely closed on a potential return.
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