The Cubs have acquired right-hander Kevin Gausman from the Blue Jays, per MLB Trade Rumors. In return, Toronto receives minor league prospects Brett Bateman and Ty Southisene. The Cubs are absorbing the remainder of Gausman's $23 million salary, with no cash considerations involved.
Gausman, a two-time All-Star, finished third in Cy Young voting three years ago. CBS Sports graded the acquisition as an "A" for Chicago, noting the Cubs' need for an impact starter. The trade represents a notable shift for the Blue Jays, who reached the World Series last year, finishing extra innings in Game 7 against the Dodgers before losing. Yahoo Sports characterized the deal as part of a broader Toronto sell-off at the trade deadline.
Bateman, 24, is a left-handed batter who MLB Pipeline ranks as a prospect, according to one report. Southisene was identified as a middle infield prospect in the deal.