Kevin Gausman Wins in His Debut with the Cubs

Set to make his debut against his former team this week, Kevin Gausman asked his managers to postpone his first start with the Cubs until this weekend. Saying he was too emotional to face his former teammates on the Toronto Blue Jays, Gausman chose instead to get his first start in yesterday's game against the Royals in Kansas City.

The tall right-hander didn't disappoint his new fans, pitching seven strong innings and earning his first win as a member of the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs won 6-4 at Kauffman Stadium.

Gausman saved his best breaking balls for this debut night and kept the Royals' hitters off balance for much of the game. It felt like we were seeing the Gausman of his prime again. He made it through the seventh inning for the first time since late June. Let's face it, the pitcher didn't have his best moments in Toronto in 2026.

The 35-year-old pitcher is now with his sixth team in a 14-year Major League career. He decided to wear number 12 in Chicago because, while number 34 isn't officially retired, it belonged to Kerry Wood and could one day be retired. It's a fresh start with a new jersey number for the former Blue Jays player.

The strikeout specialist didn't set any records in that department yesterday—he struck out only four—but his control was remarkable. In total, he threw 96 pitches during his debut with the Illinois club.

On offense, outfielder and 2026 National League MVP candidate Pete Crow-Armstrong reached base three times and scored two runs for the winners. Pedro Ramírez, batting lead-off, hit his second home run of the season, a solo shot off reliever Mason Black.

In the standings, the Cubs remain comfortably entrenched in the best-second-place spot, securing their spot—for now—in the upcoming playoffs.

Barring a catastrophe between now and the end of the regular season, Craig Counsell's team should still be in the mix after the season's final game. The addition of Kevin Gausman at the trade deadline solidifies their starting rotation and brings a healthy dose of experience to the roster.

Trailing the National League Central leaders, the Milwaukee Brewers, by just four and a half games, a division title is still within the Cubs' reach. This more favorable position would give them a less treacherous path in the playoffs and increase their chances of advancing toward the ultimate title.

The Brewers, even though they haven't been very aggressive in the trade market, have the firepower to fight until the very end, ensuring they won't crack under pressure. A tight race is expected in a division that has surprised many since the start of the current season. However, the best teams are quickly rising to the top as the season enters its final stretch.

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