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The MLB trade market is absolutely sizzling, and Kevin Gausman’s name is echoing through the halls of the Toronto Blue Jays. But the veteran righty isn’t about to pack his bags for just any destination: his no-trade list, featuring eight teams—including one of New York’s big boys—has just been made public.
The scoop, dropped by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, sent fans into a frenzy: the teams on Gausman’s no-trade list are the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics, and the New York Mets. So, the Blue Jays ace is holding all the aces as the trade deadline looms.
Gausman himself hasn’t hidden his feelings about possibly leaving Toronto, looking visibly shaken after the team’s recent rough patch. “Honestly, I don’t want to go anywhere,” he admitted to The Athletic, tears in his eyes. “I’d love for us to turn this around, whether that means making the playoffs or whatever. I want to finish my run here, just like I planned when I signed. But I get it—this is a business.”
Why Did Gausman Blacklist These Teams?
Gausman’s no-trade list isn’t random. Some of the teams he’s blocking, like the Brewers and White Sox, are fighting for the top of their divisions, while the Pirates and Mariners are still in the wild card hunt. But others—Tigers, Reds, A’s, and Mets—are way out of contention and probably aren’t looking to rent a veteran starter for a few months.
The New York Mets are the real eyebrow-raiser here. They’re one of MLB’s financial powerhouses, always swinging for the fences. But this season has been a train wreck for the Mets, and their playoff hopes are on life support. No wonder Gausman put them on his no-go list.
On the flip side, teams like the Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, and Tampa Bay Rays are nowhere to be found on the veto list—making them prime landing spots if the Blue Jays decide to hit the sell button.
Gausman’s Trade Value: Who’s Ready to Roll the Dice?
Even with a losing record (4-9) and a 4.51 ERA over 115.2 innings, Gausman is still one of the most reliable and durable arms in the league. He’s started at least 31 games in each of the last five seasons and was a key piece in the Blue Jays’ run to the 2025 World Series, posting a 2.93 ERA over 30.2 postseason innings.
Still, his recent form has raised some eyebrows: in his last six starts, his ERA has ballooned to 7.85. But with his experience and rubber arm, he’s a hot commodity for any contender looking to beef up their rotation for October.
The Blue Jays front office is facing a brutal dilemma: they started out as buyers at the deadline, but after dropping three of their last four games, they’re now 6.5 games out of a playoff spot. If they decide to sell, Gausman will be the hottest name on the block—but he’ll only go to a handful of teams he’s approved himself.
What’s Gausman Saying About His Future?
Gausman has made it clear he wants to stay in Toronto, but he’s not ruling out chasing another shot at the postseason if it comes to that. “I’d love to finish (in Toronto). But at the same time, I’d like another crack at the playoffs. Even if it wouldn’t mean as much as last year,” the righty said, showing the human side of a business that doesn’t care about feelings.
The pressure is on the Blue Jays front office: will they bet on a miracle comeback, or trade their ace to rebuild for the future? Meanwhile, contenders are already dialing up Toronto, knowing only a select few have the green light to make a deal for Gausman’s golden arm.
Teams That Could Join the Bidding War
- Chicago Cubs
- Atlanta Braves
- Tampa Bay Rays
These teams, not on the veto list, could be the big winners if the Blue Jays decide to move their ace before the deadline.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About the Gausman Saga
Why does Kevin Gausman have a no-trade list?
As part of his contract, Gausman has the right to veto trades to certain teams, giving him control over his fate if the Blue Jays decide to shop him.
Which teams are on Gausman’s no-trade list?
Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics, and New York Mets.
Which teams could go after Gausman if Toronto puts him on the market?
Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, and Tampa Bay Rays are among the teams that could make a move for him, since they’re not on his veto list.
What’s the current state of the Toronto Blue Jays?
The team has lost three of its last four games and sits 6.5 games out of a playoff spot, which could push them to sell key pieces like Gausman.
What has Gausman said about a possible trade?
The pitcher has expressed his desire to stay in Toronto, but he understands baseball is a business and isn’t ruling out chasing another postseason run if needed.
