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Blue Jays Deal Gausman to Cubs, Acquire Taillon

8/3/2026

24 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Toronto traded right-hander Kevin Gausman to Chicago on Aug. 2, 2026.
Gausman, 35, was in the final year of a $110 million contract and posted a 4.38 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP in 23 starts.
Chicago received Gausman in exchange for infielder Ty Southisene, the Cubs’ No. 13 prospect, and outfielder Brett Bateman, the Cubs’ No. 21 prospect.
Toronto, 52-60 and last in the AL East, also acquired right-hander Jameson Taillon from Chicago.

History

Historical Context

In the 1997 off-season, Toronto signed free-agent ace Roger Clemens to a four-year, $40 million contract; his 1998 campaign delivered a Cy Young, a pitching Triple Crown, a 2.65 ERA and 271 strikeouts, lifting the Blue Jays to an 88-win season. That high-cost, high-impact model later guided the 2026 Gausman trade to Chicago.

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Story summary

Toronto traded right-hander Kevin Gausman to Chicago on Aug. 2, 2026.
Gausman, 35, was in the final year of a $110 million contract and posted a 4.38 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP in 23 starts.
Chicago received Gausman in exchange for infielder Ty Southisene, the Cubs’ No. 13 prospect, and outfielder Brett Bateman, the Cubs’ No. 21 prospect.
Toronto, 52-60 and last in the AL East, also acquired right-hander Jameson Taillon from Chicago.

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