Gausman, 35, is entering the final season of the five-year, $110 million contract he inked with the Blue Jays in December 2021. This could be his last hurrah in Toronto, and perhaps his MLB swan song as he’s openly contemplated retirement. This is the perfect time to reward him with a long-overdue Opening Day start. The righty certainly wouldn’t be retiring because he’s got nothing left in the tank. He threw a career-high 193 regular-season innings in 2025 with a 3.59 ERA, then made five more strong starts in the postseason. All signs point to him making another 30 starts with a sub-4.00 ERA in 2026. This wouldn’t be a case of giving a washed player their flowers.
The argument against Gausman is that Dylan Cease should have gotten the Opening Day start. The Blue Jays just signed him to the most lucrative free agent contract in franchise history to be their ace for years to come, so why wouldn’t he get the nod? Wouldn’t that be an appropriate time to introduce him to the fans in Toronto?
Yes and no.
Cease will probably make several Opening Day starts for the Blue Jays, but this year has to belong to Gausman after everything he’s done for the franchise on and off the field. Not only has he been a rock-solid pitcher, but he’s been a fantastic teammate and ambassador for the Blue Jays. They don’t just owe it to him—he’s earned it in every way possible. This is especially true after last season’s World Series run. Gausman was one of the faces of the team that captivated all of Canada and came within two outs of making baseball history. Who better than him to receive the season’s first applause? You’d be hard-pressed to find a Blue Jays fan who doesn’t want to see Gausman toeing the rubber on Opening Day this year.
It’s hard to believe he hasn’t made an Opening Day start as a Blue Jay, given his excellent track record. Jose Berríos has gotten the nod three of the past four seasons, while Alek Manoah got the ball in 2023. Gausman probably would have gotten the opportunity in 2024 had the beginning of his season not been delayed due to shoulder fatigue.
So, with all that in mind, giving Gausman the ball on March 27th is the right move. Even if he struggles and Cease goes on to win the Cy Young, there will be zero regrets. Gausman could end up in the Level of Excellence someday if he re-signs for another few years. But even if he doesn’t, he absolutely deserves this honour.
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