Gausman projected to draw strong free-agent interest
The Cubs may seek to retain Kevin Gausman, but are expected to face competition for the veteran right-hander this off-season.
Kevin Gausman is expected to attract multiple clubs when he enters free agency this off-season, despite uneven numbers since joining the Chicago Cubs from the Toronto Blue Jays.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan, in the report supplied by Yahoo Sports and The Sporting News, said the 35-year-old pitcher is likely to have “plenty of suitors”. No specific clubs or contract discussions were identified.
Gausman has a 4.60 ERA overall and a 5.31 ERA in seven starts for Chicago. The Cubs are expected to assess whether retaining him would help address a starting rotation that could lose several pitchers to free agency.
His longer record remains part of his appeal. The report says Gausman recorded a 3.62 ERA across 148 starts over five seasons with Toronto from 2022, while his career playoff ERA is 3.83.
The report also credits Gausman with a 2.93 ERA during Toronto’s 2025 World Series run. Whether that recent record is enough to secure a return to Chicago will depend on the Cubs’ rotation needs and the level of competition in the market.
