Toronto Blue Jays make major addition to rotation with Kevin Gausman

The Toronto Blue Jays needed to do something. Marcus Semien had signed with the Texas Rangers earlier on Sunday, leaving a gaping hole in the middle of their lineup. With the Blue Jays needing help in multiple areas, they had to do something soon in order to keep pace in the American League.

That signing happened late on Sunday. According to Jeff Passan, the Blue Jays have inked Kevin Gausman to a five year deal worth $110 million.

Toronto Blue Jays get needed piece for rotation in Kevin Gausman

This contract is a sign of how far Gausman has come. He had been on the verge of being considered a bust, a former top prospect with the Orioles who had flashes of being an ace, but was unable to live up to his potential.

Signing with the Giants changed that perception. He suddenly became the pitcher he was expected to be, emerging as a durable staff ace on a team that won 107 games to shock the baseball world. Gausman had gone from a major question mark to one of the more coveted pitchers in free agency.

Gausman fills a major vacancy in the Blue Jays rotation. While they had inked Jose Berrios to a long term extension, they were still in need of another top of the rotation arm. Hyun Jin Ryu is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2022 season due to his elbow woes. The Blue Jays may have plenty of talented young arms, but they needed another experienced starter atop the rotation.

There is still plenty of work left to do. The Blue Jays need to shore up their lineup, adding another piece to their infield. Another veteran arm would likely be beneficial as well, someone to solidify the middle of the rotation while helping to mentor the young arms. Likewise, the bullpen needs help as well.

But Gausman fills a clear void. As the Red Sox and Yankees have combined to sign Michael Wacha and a middle reliever, there is an opportunity for Toronto to make a move up the standings. Adding Gausman helps the Blue Jays in their quest to contend for not just a playoff berth, but also a championship.

The Toronto Blue Jays have filled a major void in their rotation by adding Kevin Gausman. Although they have more work to do, he is a great start.