Kevin Gausman is poised to be a key player for the Blue Jays as they seek to rebound from a disappointing season. With odds of +2500 to win the American League Cy Young Award, Gausman is viewed as a strong candidate for the honor, indicating bookmakers' belief in his potential impact. After a solid but less impressive 2024 season with a 3.83 ERA and a 14-11 record, he will need to recapture the form that led him to lead the league in strikeouts in 2023. Gausman, a two-time All-Star and 12-year veteran, has a balanced career record of 102-102 and has won double-digit games in six seasons, highlighting his capability as a reliable ace for the team.

Gausman stands out as the only significant success among the Blue Jays' recent free-agent signings, yet he is increasingly vocal about his dissatisfaction with the organization's direction. His frustration reflects a broader discontent within the team, as he grapples with the disparity between the franchise's promises and its actual performance. Gausman's situation underscores the challenges faced by the Blue Jays, who have failed to build a competitive roster despite having a promising foundation.

Kevin Gausman joined the Blue Jays as a veteran presence, contributing to the team's aspirations of building a competitive roster. However, as the team's trajectory has shifted downward following a last-place finish in the American League East, concerns about Gausman's long-term fit and the overall direction of the franchise have emerged. With the team facing potential rebuild scenarios, Gausman's role and future with the Blue Jays may become increasingly uncertain, particularly as the front office grapples with the need for significant changes.

Gausman is part of a strong pitching rotation for the Blue Jays, which includes other capable pitchers like Jose Berrios, Chris Bassitt, Bowden Francis, and Yariel Rodriguez. This depth allows the team to view the potential signing of Fried as a luxury rather than a necessity.

Kevin Gausman is one of the key starters in the Blue Jays' rotation for 2025, joining fellow former All-Stars José Berríos and Chris Bassitt. The team is looking to enhance its pitching staff and may see Fried as a valuable addition to solidify their starting lineup.