For the first time since arriving in Toronto, Kevin Gausman will take the mound on Opening Day for the Blue Jays.
After four seasons with the organization, three playoff appearances, an All-Star selection, and a trip to the World Series, the veteran right-hander has finally been given the honor of starting the season. Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed the decision Saturday, naming Gausman the team’s Opening Day starter for March 27 against the Oakland Athletics at Rogers Centre.
For Gausman, it’s a moment that feels long overdue.
“It’s cool that you have a guy that you really trust who’s been here for a long time to get the season started,” Schneider said when announcing the decision.
Despite Gausman’s consistent performance since joining Toronto, the Opening Day assignment had previously gone elsewhere. José Berríos received the nod three times during Gausman’s tenure — in 2022, 2024, and 2025 — while Alek Manoah started the 2023 opener.
That changes this year.
While Opening Day is only one game in a long 162-game season, the assignment carries symbolic meaning within a clubhouse. It’s often viewed as recognition of both leadership and reliability — two traits Gausman has embodied throughout his time with the Blue Jays.
In fact, his contract has proven to be one of the most impactful signings of Ross Atkins’ tenure as general manager.
Toronto signed Gausman ahead of the 2022 season to a five-year, $110 million deal, and the return on that investment has been substantial. Over the past four seasons, Gausman has compiled 11.2 bWAR while posting a 3.48 ERA across 733.2 innings.
His durability and strikeout ability have also stood out.
Since the start of 2022, Gausman ranks among the top pitchers in baseball in multiple categories. He sits fourth in Major League Baseball in both innings pitched and WAR during that span, while ranking third overall in total strikeouts.
Across those four seasons, he has struck out 793 batters while maintaining a 1.172 WHIP and an impressive 9.7 strikeouts per nine innings.
Beyond the numbers, Gausman has become one of the steadying forces in Toronto’s rotation.
But the 2026 season could carry additional meaning for the veteran pitcher.
Earlier this spring, Gausman acknowledged that retirement after the season is something he has considered. Speaking with The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon, the 35-year-old admitted the possibility has crossed his mind during the offseason.
“I think [retirement] is definitely a possibility,” Gausman said. “I have really loved my time here. Do I know what’s ahead of me? I really don’t know. It’s something I thought about in the offseason, but right now I’m just focused on this year. I’m going to give everything I have for this organization and this team.”
If this does turn out to be his final season, the early signs suggest he intends to make it count.
Gausman has looked sharp during spring training so far. Across two appearances, he has allowed just four hits over 4.1 innings while giving up no runs and striking out six hitters.
He has also spoken about adjusting his approach this season. While satisfied with his results last year, Gausman believes he can improve by working more efficiently — pitching deeper into games while reducing his overall pitch counts.
That philosophy will be tested right away.
When the Blue Jays open the 2026 season at Rogers Centre, the ball will be in Gausman’s hands — a recognition of everything he has meant to the club over the past four years.
And if this season ultimately becomes the final chapter of his career, it will begin exactly where it should: with Kevin Gausman leading the Blue Jays onto the field.
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