Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Cubs give up to get Kevin Gausman from the Blue Jays?
The Cubs traded outfielder Brett Bateman and middle infielder Ty Southisene to Toronto. Bateman is a 24-year-old with a strong on-base presence at Triple-A but limited power, while Southisene is a 21-year-old with zero home runs in over 156 minor league games.
Why is Kevin Gausman's ERA so high if he is still considered a good pitcher?
Gausman's 4.38 ERA in 23 starts has been misleading because his underlying metrics remain strong, including a 3.51 FIP and consistent strikeout and walk rates similar to 2024. MLB insiders believe the Cubs' elite defense can help him bounce back and pitch closer to his true talent level.
What grades did The Athletic give the Cubs and Blue Jays for the Gausman trade?
The Athletic's analysts were very kind to the Cubs and harsh on Toronto, with grades ranging from A- to A for Chicago and C- to C for the Blue Jays. Both Andy McCullough and Stephen Nesbitt felt the return was underwhelming for a pitcher they'd trust in a postseason start.
When could Kevin Gausman make his Cubs debut?
Gausman could make his Cubs debut as early as Thursday, when Chicago hosts the Toronto Blue Jays in a make-up game at Wrigley Field.
Is Ty Southisene considered a future MLB player?
According to prospect analyst Keith Law, Southisene has no realistic future in the majors, noting he has zero professional home runs in over 700 plate appearances and is too small to project for added strength. Law suggested he would likely need to move to second base but does not see an MLB path for him.
Aldo Soto
With a journalism degree from Eastern Illinois University and a decade of Cubs reporting, my work has appeared on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and the Pinwheels and Ivy Podcast. I cover Cubs news and analysis for Sports Mockery, including roster moves, game breakdowns, and prospect development.
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