Toronto Blue Jays announce starting pitcher for Opening Night 2026
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The Toronto Blue Jays announced Saturday that Kevin Gausman will take the mound as their Opening Night starter for the 2026 season.
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed that Kevin Gausman will start against the Athletics on March 27, marking the veteran right-hander's first Opening Day assignment with Toronto.
The Wizard of Gaus ✨ Kevin Gausman is our #OpeningDay starter!
The decision comes as little surprise. Since joining the Blue Jays in 2022, Gausman has firmly established himself as the team's ace and one of the most reliable pitchers in baseball.
A special player gets the ball to start a special season! 🗣 LET'S GO, CANADA #OpeningDay
Gausman has never been named Opening Day starter till now
Gausman delivered another strong campaign last season, his fourth with the organization, posting a 3.59 ERA and a 1.062 WHIP across 32 starts.
Despite being the club's most dependable arm throughout his tenure in Toronto, Gausman had yet to receive the Opening Day nod until now.
After signing a five-year, $110 million contract with the Blue Jays following the 2021 season, the right-hander has proven to be a worthwhile investment.
Heading into the final year of his deal, Gausman owns a 3.48 ERA over four seasons in Toronto, totaling 733 2/3 innings pitched.
His postseason performance further highlighted his value, as he recorded a stellar 2.93 ERA over 30 2/3 innings during last year's playoff run.
At his peak, Gausman has pitched at a true ace level for Toronto. He finished third in American League Cy Young voting in 2023 and ninth in 2022.
Even when not at his absolute best, he has remained remarkably consistent. Since the start of the 2022 season, Gausman ranks fourth in Major League Baseball in total innings pitched.
Over the past four years, he has also climbed the franchise record books, currently sitting seventh all-time in strikeouts and 16th in wins for the Blue Jays.
Time and again, Gausman has been the arm Toronto can rely on, providing stability at the top of the rotation since bringing his talents north of the border.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Toronto Blue Jays replacement for legendary broadcaster Buck Martinez announced
Toronto Blue Jays replacement for legendary broadcaster Buck Martinez announced
| POLL | ||
MARS 14|95 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays announce starting pitcher for Opening Night 2026 Are you happy the Toronto Blue Jays finally selected Kevin Gausman to be the Opening Night starter? | ||
| Yes | 93 | 97.9 % |
| No | 2 | 2.1 % |
| List of polls | ||