The Blue Jays have high expectations from pitcher Kevin Gausman for next season regardless of who they sign in free agency
Gausman got off to a rough start in 2024 after admitting that he came back from an injury to quick and struggled out of the gate in 2024 but found his game in the second half of the season finishing with a 3.83 ERA in 2024.
Even though these were encouraging signs from the 33-year-old he was more inconsistent in June pitching to a 5.45 ERA winning just two of his six starts. Consequently, Gausman finished the first half of the season with an underwhelming 4.50 ERA, 104 strikeouts, 15 home runs and 1.31 WHIP. -Shipton
Despite a below average season in 2024 for the Blue Jays best pitcher, they still seem to have extremely high expectations for him next season regardless of if they bring in another ace such as Fried.
The Blue Jays are looking to make a big signing in terms of a pitcher this winter to ease the load on Gausman but they still expect him to be their top pitcher next season and return to being one of the best pitchers in the American League.
While he finished the year with a 3.83 ERA, his highest since 2021, alongside 162 strikeouts, he still has what it takes to lead this rotation once again. Gausman isn't getting any younger, though, and it might be helpful if the Blue Jays added an extra arm to ease the pressure off him. -Shipton
If the Blue Jays can get Gausman back at the top of his game and bring in a top tier starting pitcher in free agency, their starting rotation can end up being one of the best in the league next season.