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Blue Jays: Projecting Toronto’s three-man Postseason rotation
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) throws a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Rogers Centre.
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Nick Prasad
Sep 10, 2025, 08:00 EDTUpdated: Sep 10, 2025, 06:40 EDT
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September baseball is heating up, and the postseason race is officially on. The Toronto Blue Jays are right in the thick of it, and one of the biggest questions facing the club is how they will configure their starting rotation for October.
While much depends on where Toronto finishes in the standings, the path forward is clear. A division title would give the Blue Jays a spot in a best-of-five Division Series, while a Wild Card berth means a best-of-three battle right out of the gate. Either way, the Jays will need at least three reliable arms to lead their playoff rotation.
So, which pitchers are best suited to anchor Toronto’s staff in October?

Kevin Gausman: The Ace of the Staff

Kevin Gausman is the unquestioned No. 1 option for the Blue Jays in the postseason. The veteran right-hander is the team’s most established and experienced arm, and he thrives in big games.
This season, Gausman leads the team with a 3.63 ERA over 168. 2/3 innings, racking up 162 strikeouts and holding opponents to weak contact. His 50% quality start rate underlines his ability to consistently give Toronto a chance to win.
Armed with a competitive edge and an arsenal that forces hitters into ground balls and soft contact, Gausman is the clear choice to open any series for the Blue Jays.

Chris Bassitt: Reliable Veteran for Game Two

Chris Bassitt slots in comfortably as Toronto’s No. 2 postseason starter. Known for his competitiveness and deep repertoire, Bassitt brings stability and the ability to work deep into games.
This season, the right-hander has posted an 11-8 record with a 3.97 ERA across 161 innings, striking out 157 while walking only 49. His playoff experience—three starts with a 1-1 record and a 4.20 ERA—adds to his value under pressure.
With a ground-ball rate north of 50% and eight pitches he can command at will, Bassitt has the arsenal and poise to keep opponents off balance in October.

The Third Spot: Berríos, Bieber, or Scherzer?

The third rotation spot is where things get interesting. Toronto has multiple strong candidates, each offering something unique.
  • José Berríos: A proven workhorse with postseason experience, Berríos has been a steady presence for the Jays. This year, he holds a 9-5 record with a 4.02 ERA and 131 strikeouts, showing his durability. He’s struggled as of late, so he might not be the go-to option at the moment, but fans know what he is capable of if you look back a couple of years to the Twins’ Wild Card series.
  • Shane Bieber: The trade deadline acquisition is the wild card of the group. In four starts with Toronto, Bieber owns a 2-1 record, a 4.30 ERA, and 25 strikeouts in 23 innings. His velocity and command appear to be returning, making him an intriguing option with a potentially high ceiling.
  • Max Scherzer: The veteran ace brings unmatched postseason experience and three Cy Young Awards to the table. While his velocity isn’t what it once was and he’s coming off a thumb injury, Scherzer has still delivered quality starts. He could be trusted to start, though his outings might need bullpen reinforcement.
At this point, Bieber may offer the most upside for the Blue Jays, especially if his recent form continues to improve. Still, both Berríos and Scherzer remain valuable options depending on matchups and series length.
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