The Toronto Blue Jays traded right-hander Kevin Gausman to the Chicago Cubs on Aug. 2, receiving outfielder Brett Bateman and infield prospect Ty Southisene in return.
The 24-year-old was hitting .312 at Triple-A Iowa when the deal was introduced. He rapidly turned Toronto’s main leadoff hitter and middle fielder.
Bateman hit .329 with a .402 on-base share and a .424 slugging share in 41 video games. He completed with 52 hits, 28 runs, two house runs and 11 RBIs. He reached base 72 occasions and posted an .826 OPS.
The San Diego Padres swept Chicago within the Nationwide League Wild Card Sequence.
The early exit sparked speak of a Gausman return to Toronto. The 35-year-old turns into a free agent this offseason.
Whereas the rumors swirled, Bateman shared information of his personal.
Brett Bateman Proclaims Profession Information
Bateman returned house to St. Paul, Minnesota, after the season. He detailed his winter plans Wednesday on the “6ix Inning Stretch” podcast.
“I’m planning on taking place to Dunedin to see the power,” Bateman stated. “Get to see among the people who work down there, work out a plan on the subject of rehab for simply among the issues which are nonetheless like nagging on me in direction of the tip of the yr, just like the hip, knees, wrists.”
“Simply making an attempt to remain forward of the curve, particularly with the potential lockout that may occur,” he added. “So simply making an attempt to remain forward. However primarily figuring out.”
Dunedin, Florida, is house to the Blue Jays’ spring coaching complicated.
Bateman performed by way of a number of illnesses after his call-up.
MLB’s collective bargaining settlement with the gamers’ union expires Dec. 1. Over the past lockout in 2021-22, gamers on 40-man rosters couldn’t use workforce amenities. That lockout lasted 99 days.
Gausman Reunion Unlikely Regardless of Toronto Ties
Gausman has made his attachment to Toronto plain. He spoke of taking his daughters to Jays video games as a fan after he retires, additionally speaking about displaying them the remainder of Canada.
He and his spouse, Taylor, spent the Cubs’ closing regular-season off day in Toronto. On the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast, he stated town “was my second house.”
Gausman wouldn’t decide to Chicago after the Recreation 2 loss. “I would like to speak with my spouse and determine that out,” he stated. He famous he has performed a very long time and his youngsters hold getting older.
However a return appears unlikely. The curiosity doesn’t seem like mutual.
“I’d nonetheless say I’m not as optimistic because the aggregated headlines are,” MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson stated Oct. 7 on “Toronto Sports activities Rush.”
He stated the membership tends to maneuver on from veterans a yr early. He additionally prompt the Blue Jays could want a youthful arm akin to Shane Bieber, who has additionally expressed his curiosity in staying with Toronto.
Gausman turns 36 in January. He additionally doesn’t match Toronto’s high want.
Including one or two energy bats tops the membership’s offseason record. Toronto additionally desires mid-rotation assist. Its projected rotation consists of Dylan Stop, José Soriano, Trey Yesavage, Cody Ponce and Spencer Miles.
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