Blue Jays: Kevin Gausman should start Game One of the ALDS

Originally posted on Bluejaysnation | By Nick Prasad | Last updated Oct 1, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays are AL East Champions and have earned themselves a bye through the first round of the playoffs. The next order of business is selecting a starting pitcher for the ALDS.

Game One of the ALDS will take place on Saturday, October 4th, at Rogers Centre in Toronto. The Blue Jays will await the winner of the Wild Card series between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees, with Boston taking the first game of the series yesterday evening. The Jays have a few different pitchers to choose from, but one arm stands out above the rest.

Why Kevin Gausman Should Start Game One

Strategically, the Blue Jays need a reliable ace to set the tone in the opener and potentially be available later in the series if needed. The clear choice for game one is right-hander Kevin Gausman.

The Blue Jays have not won the AL East since 2015, and their recent postseason appearances have been filled with frustration. This year feels different—the team has confidence, momentum, and a real chance to make a deep playoff run.

“To win the division here means a little bit more.”

Kevin Gausman on what this moment means for Blue Jays fans. pic.twitter.com/lalbRd6L4e

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 29, 2025

Gausman is a huge reason why. The veteran righty finished the season with a 10-11 record over 193 innings. While his win-loss record doesn’t jump off the page (thanks to a lack of run support), his pitching process and overall dominance tell a much bigger story. He’s coming off a division-clinching start and will be well rested for October baseball under the lights at Rogers Centre.

Gausman’s Track Record Against the Red Sox and Yankees

The Blue Jays will face a familiar AL East opponent in the next round, and Gausman matches up well against both potential challengers.

Against the Boston Red Sox, Gausman was dominant in 2025, striking out 10 batters over eight scoreless innings. Over his career, he has posted a 9-10 record with a 4.18 ERA and 162 strikeouts in 32 appearances.

Against the New York Yankees, he has been more up-and-down but still competitive. On July 21, 2025, he delivered a strong outing with seven innings of one-run baseball, four hits allowed, and eight strikeouts in a Blue Jays win. Career-wise, Gausman has started 10 games against New York, going 3-3 with a 4.76 ERA and 48 strikeouts.

The Right Arm for the Right Moment

Kevin Gausman has earned the trust of his teammates and fans as a big-game pitcher. His energy, veteran poise, and competitive repertoire make him the obvious choice to take the mound in Game One of the ALDS.

For the Blue Jays, setting the tone early is crucial—and Gausman is the arm to do it.

This article first appeared on Bluejaysnation and was syndicated with permission.

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