Full Breakdown
Kevin Gausman's No-Trade List Shapes Toronto Blue Jays' Trade-Deadline Options
7/23/2026, 3:21:28 AM
Core Situation: Blue Jays Likely to Trade Gausman Before Aug 3 Deadline
Toronto’s 46-55 record through 101 games has left the club at the bottom of the American League East and effectively out of postseason contention. With the trade deadline approaching on August 3, the Blue Jays are expected to move right-hander Kevin Gausman, whose contract expires after the season. Gausman’s eight-team no-trade list gives him the power to block moves to specific clubs, narrowing the pool of potential destinations.
Background & Context: Season Struggles and Contract Status
Gausman entered his final season on a five-year, $110 million deal signed on Dec. 21, 2021. Over the past five seasons he has been a durable starter, logging at least 31 starts each year. This season, however, his performance has slipped: a 4-9 record, a 4.51 ERA and 117 strikeouts to date. The Blue Jays’ offense has also faltered, scoring the fewest runs in MLB and sitting six games behind the wild-card line.
Data & Statistics
- Record: 4-9 (season)
- WHIP: 1.28 (per Sportsnet)
- Strikeouts: 117
- Innings pitched: 115.2 (per The Score)
- Team record: 46-55, five games back in the AL East
Official Statements & Responses
Ken Rosenthal of *The Athletic* reported that Gausman can block trades to eight clubs: the Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates and Seattle Mariners. Blue Jays manager John Schneider expressed disappointment after a 12-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on July 21, 2026, emphasizing the need for the club to “piece innings together” as they approach the deadline.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The eight teams to which Kevin Gausman can block a trade, according to people briefed on his contract: Reds, Brewers, Tigers, Mets, A’s, White Sox, Pirates, Mariners. Most teams likely to be interested are free to acquire him without restriction,” — The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal
- “I think it’s impossible to ignore nowadays with social media,” — Kevin Gausman
- “Feels like every hard-hit ball on our side is right at somebody, and maybe on the other side not so much,” — Kevin Gausman
- “You’re trying to just piece things, piece innings, together,” — John Schneider, rays by manager
Timeline
- July 21, 2026 (occurred): Gausman exits the game against the Tampa Bay Rays in the fourth inning after allowing five runs.
- August 3 (deadline): Trade deadline by which Toronto must decide Gausman’s fate.
What's Next: Potential Trade Paths
Because the eight blocked teams include two National League contenders (Brewers, Mariners) and four non-contenders, the Blue Jays may look to clubs outside the list. Sources cited by *The Score* identify the Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays as possible destinations that could acquire Gausman without his consent. Any deal would likely aim to bring back top-15 prospects, given Gausman’s postseason pedigree and the market value of a proven starter on an expiring contract.
The combination of Toronto’s poor standing, Gausman’s contract status, and his limited trade flexibility will shape the negotiations leading up to the August 3 deadline.
