(104.3 The Score) The Cubs have landed a frontline starter they so desperately needed for their injury-plagued rotation.
The Cubs have reached a deal to acquire right-hander Kevin Gausman in a trade with the Blue Jays, according to multiple reports Sunday evening. In return, Chicago will send Toronto a pair of prospects in infielder Ty Southisene and outfielder Brett Bateman.
The 35-year-old Gausman has posted a 4.38 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 23 starts this season. His peripherals suggest he has pitched a little better than that, as he sports a 3.51 FIP. Gausman is a two-time All-Star with a 3.85 ERA across 14 MLB seasons, and he was a key part of the Blue Jays’ run to the World Series in 2025, when he had a 3.59 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 32 starts.
Gausman has a 3.83 ERA in 14 career appearances in the playoffs, including a 2.93 ERA in six appearances in the postseason in 2025.
Gausman is set to be a free agent after the 2026 season.
Southisene, 21, was the No. 13 prospect in the Cubs’ farm system, according to MLB Pipeline. He has hit .311 with zero homers, 35 RBIs and an .809 OPS in 65 games across Class-A and high Class-A this season.
Bateman was the No. 21 prospect in Chicago’s farm system, according to MLB Pipeline. He was hitting .312 with three homers, 33 RBIs and an .853 OPS in 81 games at Triple-A Iowa this season.
