Chicago Cubs get needed rotation reinforcement in Kevin Gausman

The Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays matched up a trade earlier on Sunday with pitcher Jameson Taillon heading to Toronto. A second deal on Sunday will bolster the Cubs rotation.

Mitch Bannon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that pitcher Kevin Gausman has been traded to the Cubs. In exchange, outfielder Brett Bateman and infielder Ty Southisene are heading to Toronto.

Gausman has been one of the more dependable starters this decade, making at least 30 starts while pitching at least 170 innings each year since 2021. He has not been as dominant this season, having posted a 4.38 ERA and a 1.288 WHiP over his 127.1 innings, striking out 127 batters with 36 walks.

Chicago Cubs add needed rotation upgrade in Kevin Gausman

Bateman had been ranked as the Cubs' 21st-best prospect per MLB.com. He is lauded for his impressive speed and excellent contact ability. Although Bateman has virtually no power - he has hit six homers over 1,370 minor league plate appearances - he is capable of working the count and hitting the ball through holes on the infield. He could develop into a throwback leadoff hitter or bottom of the lineup option in the same mold as Chandler Simpson.

Southisene, ranked as the Cubs' 13th-best prospect per MLB.com, is a similar player. He also makes plenty of contact and works the count, although he has minimal power and struggles to make hard contact against breaking pitches. He is regarded as being similar to infielder Nick Allen, although Allen is a superior defensive option.

The Cubs needed to find reinforcements for a rotation that is missing Edward Cabrera, Ben Brown and Cade Horton. They have acquired the likes of Aaron Civale and David Peterson while trying to cobble together their pitching staff. Adding Gausman should help mitigate the loss of several solid starters.