Kevin Gausman expresses desire to stay with Blue Jays amid trade rumors
Pitcher Kevin Gausman has voiced his desire to remain in Toronto as the Blue Jays struggle near the trade deadline. Despite a recent dip in performance, the ace hopes the organization chooses not to move him.
Kevin Gausman expresses desire to stay with Blue Jays amid trade rumors
The Toronto Blue Jays are facing a potential season collapse as they continue to drop games ahead of the trade deadline. Following a 6-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, July 26, 2026, the team holds a 48-58 record, leaving them 10 games under .500.
The defeat highlighted a struggling offense that failed to provide support for starter Kevin Gausman. While Gausman took the loss, he allowed three runs across six innings and recorded six strikeouts. The loss extends a difficult personal stretch for the pitcher; he is currently winless in his last 11 starts, posting a 0-7 record with a 5.93 ERA since May 22, when he defeated Pittsburgh.
Gausman is in the final year of a five-year, $110 million contract signed before the 2022 season. Despite a 4.51 ERA this year and a recent dip in performance, he has served as the ace for Toronto throughout his tenure. He has made 22 starts—a figure tied for the most in the American League—and has collected 123 strikeouts over 121 2/3 innings of work.
With the trade deadline approaching, Gausman's name has repeatedly surfaced as a potential candidate for a trade. Given his expiring contract, the Blue Jays may consider moving him unless the organization commits to buying or intends to bring him back next year. His October experience and strikeout numbers are viewed as assets that could attract a significant prospect package from a contending team.
Gausman addressed the speculation and his desire to remain in Toronto after Sunday's game.
"I hope I don't go anywhere. I don't want to go anywhere. That would be my wish, and that would mean that we're playing good baseball. But I also realize it's a business. Whatever happens, it's kind of out of my control,"
Kevin Gausman, via MLB.com
The Blue Jays' struggles are evident in their recent form, having lost seven of 10 games since the All-Star break. The team was unable to maintain the momentum from Saturday, when Dylan Cease threw a one-hit complete game.
In contrast, the Boston Red Sox are surging. Boston won 17 of their last 19 overall games and closed a 10-game homestand with an 8-2 record. During that stretch, they matched a club-record 15-game winning streak from 1946 before the streak was halted during a split doubleheader. Sunday's victory was fueled by Jarren Duran, who had three singles and two RBIs, and Jahmai Jones, who hit a pinch-hit two-run double. Ceddanne Rafaela also contributed an RBI single.
The Red Sox victory was supported by Ranger Suárez, who returned from a three-week absence due to a strained left groin to pitch four scoreless innings with six strikeouts. Greg Weissert earned the win after working a scoreless inning.
Looking ahead, the Blue Jays will open a series against Washington on Monday, July 27, 2026. Right-hander Max Scherzer, who holds a 1-4 record and a 10.23 ERA, is scheduled to start against the Nationals' Andrew Alvarez.
The Red Sox will begin a seven-game West Coast trip on Monday in West Sacramento, California. Left-hander Payton Tolle is scheduled to start against the Athletics' Jack Perkins. The Red Sox roster will include newly acquired infielder Curtis Mead, who was obtained from Washington on Saturday in exchange for pitcher Connelly Early.
