Kevin Gausman's Toronto Blue Jays Opening Day start is long overdue

For a pitcher who has become one of the most dependable arms in franchise history, the honour feels long overdue.

Now 35, Kevin Gausman is entering the final year of the five-year, $110 million contract he signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in December 2021.

With the veteran right-hander openly acknowledging that retirement could be approaching, the 2026 season may represent his final chapter in Toronto-or even in Major League Baseball.

If that proves to be the case, there's no better time to recognize everything he has meant to the organization.

Importantly, this decision isn't about nostalgia or rewarding a fading veteran. Gausman continues to perform at a high level.

In 2025, he threw a career-high 193 innings during the regular season while posting a 3.59 ERA.

He then delivered five more strong outings in the postseason, playing a key role in the Blue Jays' deep playoff run.

Based on his consistency and durability, there's every reason to expect another season of roughly 30 starts with an ERA comfortably below 4.00.

Still, some fans believed the honour should have gone to Dylan Cease instead.

The Blue Jays recently signed Cease to the most lucrative free-agent deal in franchise history, making him the organization's long-term ace.

From that perspective, Opening Day could have served as the perfect introduction between the new star pitcher and the Toronto crowd.

But while Cease will likely have plenty of opportunities to start future season openers, this year belongs to Gausman.

Over the past several seasons, he has been more than just a reliable pitcher.

He's been a respected clubhouse leader, a steady presence on the mound, and a strong ambassador for the team. His impact extends beyond statistics.

That was especially clear during last season's remarkable run to the World Series, when Gausman helped lead a team that captured the attention of fans across Canada and came within two outs of making baseball history.

Given that legacy, it feels only fitting for him to take the mound first when the season begins on March 27.

Despite his impressive track record, Gausman has never started Opening Day for Toronto.

José Berrios received the assignment in three of the past four seasons, while Alek Manoah started in 2023.

Gausman likely would have gotten the nod in 2024 if shoulder fatigue hadn't delayed the start of his season.

So, with all that in mind, giving Gausman the ball on March 27th is the right move. Even if he struggles and Cease goes on to win the Cy Young, there will be zero regrets, he absolutely deserves this honour.

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