Kevin Gausman guides Cubs to fifth straight win in impressive debut

Chicago acquired the right-hander from the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday in exchange for outfielder Brett Bateman and infielder Ty Southisene. The Cubs activated him Wednesday before sending him to the mound Friday for his first start in a new uniform.

Kevin Gausman gives Cubs seven strong innings in debut

Gausman arrived with the Cubs after making 23 starts for the Blue Jays this season. He entered Friday with a 5-10 record, 4.38 ERA and 127 strikeouts across 127 1/3 innings.

The two-time All-Star spent parts of five seasons with the Blue Jays after signing a five-year contract with Toronto following the 2021 season. He recorded a 3.62 ERA across 148 regular-season starts with the club and played a significant role in Toronto’s run to the 2025 World Series.

Friday’s outing lowered his 2026 ERA to 4.29 and gave the Cubs another encouraging result from one of their major trade-deadline additions. Chicago now holds a 68-49 record as it remains in possession of a National League wild-card position.

Bateman, meanwhile, made his own memorable debut for Toronto on Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies. The 24-year-old center fielder doubled for his first major-league hit before scoring on an Alejandro Kirk sacrifice fly.

The parallel debuts offer an immediate glimpse at both sides of the deadline deal. Chicago acquired an experienced starter for its postseason pursuit, while the Blue Jays landed two prospects and quickly gave Bateman his first opportunity in the majors. Both clubs saw an immediate return from the trade on Friday.