Blue Jays have major upcoming contract decision for one starting pitcher

TORONTO, ONTARIO – OCTOBER 31: Kevin Gausman #34 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after striking out the side during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game six of the 2025 World Series at Rogers Center on October 31, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

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By Drew VonScio

Contributing Sports Writer

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The Toronto Blue Jays have revamped their starting rotation this winter to try and finish what they started last season.

With the organization bringing in Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to bolster the pitching staff, the organization feels confident in what they have currently. However, all of that could change in a year from now as ace Kevin Gausman will become a free agent.

According to ESPN insider Buster Olney, the Blue Jays have a major decision to make between now and when the season ends on what to do with Gausman.

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TORONTO, ONTARIO - OCTOBER 31: Kevin Gausman #34 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after striking out the side during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game six of the 2025 World Series at Rogers Center on October 31, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

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"Kevin Gausman has been among the best free agent starting pitchers in recent decades, after signing his five-year, $110 million deal with the Jays," Olney wrote on X. "From 2021-25 (the first of those with San Francisco), he's been so consistent: 158 starts 3.34 ERA 925 2/3 IP 1,020 Ks 16.4 WAR. He's entering the last season of his contract with the Jays."

Based on Olney's remarks, it seems he is on board with the idea of the Blue Jays offering Gausman a contract extension. Even at 35 years old, Gausman continues to be a very effective starting pitcher for Toronto. While he obviously won't get the same deal mentioned above where he makes over $100 million, the veteran starter should still receive a sizable deal next winter.

Looking ahead to next winter's free agency, Gausman is toward the top of the bunch. He obviously isn't at Tarik Skubal's level, but most pitchers aren't either. Gausman could certainly find a way to land a multi-year deal, and while no reports have indicated what a contract could look like, something in the ballpark of a three-year deal worth $50-55 million would make sense for both parties.