Chicago Cubs get “A” grade for Kevin Gausman trade from MLB analyst

The Chicago Cubs are 63-49 on the season and sit 6.5 games out of first place in the National League Central Division. They do, however, hold the top Wild Card spot in the National League and are on pace to make the postseason again this year.

It really is an astonishing feat that the Cubs have been this good in 2026 considering how many injuries they have had to endure to their pitching staff. All season long, arm after arm has been placed on the injured list, sometimes more than once.

Fortunately, they were able to add a substantial arm ahead of the trade deadline.

MLB analyst gives the Chicago Cubs an A for acquiring Kevin Gausman

On Sunday night, Chicago acquired two-time All-Star right-handed pitcher Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays. He may only be 5-10 with a 4.39 ERA this year, but he also brings plenty of postseason experience and durability, both of which are desperately needed by the Cubs.

CBS Sports gave Chicago an A for the trade, writing:

“A pitcher with multiple years of control would have been ideal, but those guys are difficult to acquire, plus there’s still time for Chicago to add one. For now, the Cubs brought in a high-quality veteran, one who takes the ball every fifth day without incident and gives his team a chance to win more often than not. There’s a lot of value in that reliability. The Cubs certainly need it.

“Furthermore, Gausman is postseason and big-market battle-tested, two traits that will serve him well in Chicago’s demanding media environment. Gausman is no longer an ace at this point in his career, but he brings an awful lot to the table. He’s an excellent fit for a Cubs team that needs innings, both quality and quantity, and the prospect cost was reasonable. This is a clear A for me.”

Obviously, the Cubs would have loved to have gotten a pitcher with multiple seasons of club control remaining. Gausman will be a free agent at the end of the year.

But with the pitching market what it is, such arms cost multiple top prospects, and the fact is that Chicago’s farm system isn’t as good as others’.

Nabbing Gausman with the assets they have available was definitely a win.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs acquire Kevin Gausman from Blue Jays
• Cubs likely will not trade 2 coveted bats amid pitching needs
• Cubs trade Jameson Taillon to the Blue Jays

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