Throughout their roller-coaster of a season, as injuries to key arms mounted, the Cubs have had a clear need for starting pitching help. On Sunday evening, less than 24 hours until Monday's trade deadline, help arrived in the form of two-time All-Star Kevin Gausman in a trade with the Blue Jays.
Gausman, 35 and in his 14th big-league season, is not the same pitcher he was in his prime. But he's been steady for a disappointing Toronto squad this season, posting a 5–10 record with a 4.38 ERA across 23 starts. In return, the Blue Jays will receive minor leaguers Ty Southisene, an infielder, and Brett Bateman, an outfielder, per The Athletic's Mitch Bannon.
