Kevin Gausman’s journey with the Chicago Cubs is part of a 14-year major-league career. He reached the World Series last year with Toronto, where he started Game 6. However, the Blue Jays failed to close out a 3-2 series lead against the Los Angeles Dodgers, losing Game 7 in extra innings. The Cubs’ decision to acquire Gausman reflects their confidence in the team and his playoff background. Gausman remains focused on one target: returning to the World Series with the Cubs.
“It’s an addicting drug once you get there,” Gausman mentioned. “Losing was heartbreaking, but every big-leaguer should experience the World Series because it’s what we all dreamt of as kids. To play there was amazing, yet also very heartbreaking. Once you’re there, you always want to return, so I’m thrilled to hopefully get back with this team.”
How will Craig Counsell handle a Cubs rotation going from shortage to surplus? Gausman is set to make his Cubs debut Friday against the Kansas City Royals, aiming for more consistency. Since his roughest outing on June 19 against the Cubs, he holds a 6.47 ERA with 20 walks in 40 1/3 innings. “The biggest thing, I need to be an innings eater here, and that’s why they brought me here, to start games and go deep like I always have,” Gausman stated.
Jed Hoyer, President of Baseball Operations, has long been interested in Gausman since his days in Baltimore. Hoyer called Gausman a “white whale” target after securing him in a deal. Gausman looks forward to having the Cubs’ elite defense as support when he pitches at Kauffman Stadium. “It more so just allows you to be on the attack mode,” Gausman said. “In every situation, you feel like the outcome tilts in your favor.”
Dansby Swanson, who played alongside Gausman in Atlanta in 2018 and 2019, admired Gausman’s calm under pressure. “There are things he always returns to and consistently commits to, and his delivery is a bit unique,” Swanson remarked. “It’s got plus extension. His way of pitching coupled with the split puts hitters at a disadvantage.”
Swanson added, “One aspect I admire about Gaus is his persistence despite facing bumps along the way. He stuck with it, and succeeded in the league. Gaus battled through adversity, and it’s rewarding to see players achieve at a high level after those struggles.”
Gausman watched from the dugout at Wrigley Field during a game against the Dodgers on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026. As of now, the Cubs have not had a pitcher make it into the eighth inning this season. The arrivals of Gausman and Clay Holmes, who is set to start Saturday, aim to ease the bullpen’s strain, especially during injury challenges.
Days after learning about his trade on a Blue Jays flight to Houston, Gausman reunited with former Blue Jays teammates Thursday at Wrigley Field. Had he not been traded, he would have faced the Cubs Thursday in a revenge game after a rough outing in June. Instead, Gausman will pitch Friday, looking to extend the Cubs’ strong performance.
“I’ve been on teams where the deadline came, and no reinforcements arrived. It’s a boost to a team’s morale when management makes moves. I’m new here, but joining a team that’s active in acquiring pieces, you know they’re all-in,” Gausman said. “It’s like a shot of adrenaline, bringing new life to the team. This team may not need it, but I’m still thrilled to join.”