Kevin Gausman is hoping to continue his career with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Blue Jays’ ace is entering the final year of his five-year, $110 million deal, and he has hinted that he could retire after this season. However, just days before Opening Day, Gausman has walked that back, and he’s now hoping he can sign an extension with the team.
“That is something we haven’t really crossed that bridge yet,” Gausman said to Foul Territory. “But, yeah, I would love to continue playing for the Blue Jays. I love this organization. I love this city. For me, being here for as long as I have, it’s been cool to see the organization grow, see Skip (John Schneider) grow as a manager. There are a lot of things. My kids have grown up in Toronto. There are a lot of things to like when you are looking from the outside looking in, where you would want to play.
“I don’t think there is anything bad you can say about Toronto, besides the fact that it’s in another country. But if you can get past that, then there’s a lot to love. Me and my wife have really enjoyed our time here. But, I also know it’s a business and it’s not always about what everybody wants. Sometimes it goes back to what makes sense for both sides. We will see what happens. More so focused on this year and trying to get back to a World Series again.”
Although Gausman wants to extend, there haven’t been any extension talks as of yet. But if the right-hander continues to pitch well, perhaps those will pick up during the season.
Gausman went 10-11 with a 3.59 ERA in 32 starts last season with the Blue Jays.
Gausman Hinted at Retirement
During spring training, Gausman reflected on entering the final year of his deal and hinted at retiring.
Gausman is just 35 years old, but he said he wanted to spend time with his family, so retirement is a possibility.
“I think it’s definitely a possibility,” Gausman said to The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon. “I have really loved my time here. Do I know what’s ahead of me? I don’t really know. No idea.
“It’s something that I have definitely thought about in the offseason. But now that we’re here, I’m just focused on this year. I’m gonna give everything I have for this organization and this team this year. What’s beyond that? I really have no idea.”
Gausman has been one of Toronto’s top pitchers for years, and he likely does have multiple good years left in his career. However, he said the family man in him thinks about retiring to be around his kids.
“My kids are only getting older,” Gausman said. “The more you push that envelope, the more you’re risking. What’s the positive? What’s the negative? Do I get home and really only have a couple more years of them even wanting to be around you?”
However, despite hinting at retirement, Gausman appears set to continue his career after 2026.
Blue Jays Name Gausman Opening Day Starter
Gausman has been one of Toronto’s top pitchers for years, and in the final year of his contract, he will finally get the start on Opening Day for the first time in his Blue Jays tenure.
The Blue Jays made the rather obvious decision ahead of Opening Day, and Schneider was ecstatic for Gausman.
“I’m pumped for him, pumped for us. It’s about time he got one,” said Schneider.
The Blue Jays open their 2026 MLB season on March 27 against the Athletic.
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