"I would love to continue playing for the Blue Jays. I love this organization. I love this city." While there hasn't been any extension talk yet, Kevin Gausman is open to remaining with the Blue Jays.
Report: Blue Jays’ Kevin Gausman would love to return to Toronto
Photo credit: © Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Mar 20, 2026, 17:00 EDTUpdated: Mar 20, 2026, 14:37 EDT
The 2026 Toronto Blue Jays have a handful of players on expiring deals.
One of those players, Kevin Gausman, was n a recent addition of Foul Territory’s podcast. On that podcast, Gausman noted that the team hasn’t spoken to him about an extension, but that he’d love to return to the team. Gausman also noted that he understands it’s a business, so his return may not be in everyone’s interest.
Realistically, unless Gausman sharply declines in 2026, the Jays should be all over an extension for Gausman for two reasons. First off, there’s some uncertainty with the Blue Jays rotation following the season, as well as the fact that Gausman is still a darn good pitcher.
Starting with the rotation, on top of Gausman being a pending free agent, Shane Bieber opted into the final year of his deal, but will be a free agent after the season. Max Scherzer re-signed to a one-year deal earlier in Spring Training, meaning he’ll also be a free agent at season’s end. Eric Lauer will also be a free agent, while José Berríos has the ability to opt out at season’s end, as unlikely as that seems.
For that reason alone, re-signing Gausman should be one of their “next up” items, after re-signing Daulton Varsho. But he’s also found success with the Blue Jays. Since signing that five-year deal, Gausman has been nothing short of great in his four seasons as a Blue Jay. In each of those four seasons, he’s posted an ERA below 4, earning a Cy Young nomination in 2023 thanks to a 3.16 ERA and 2.97 FIP.
Over his first two seasons, he had a 3.25 ERA and 2.68 FIP, struggled (by his standards) in 2024, before returning to form in 2025, being named as their Game 1 starter in the American League Divisional Series.
He’ll turn 36 years old before the start of the 2027 season, if there is a 2027 season, so expect a short-term deal if he re-signs. Gausman has interest in re-signing with the team, and so should the Blue Jays.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.
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