The Blue Jays head into their home opener against the Athletics looking to start the season off with a victory after a World Series defeat. Toronto ace pitcher Kevin Gausman will get the ball against Luis Severino on Friday.
Gausman had a strong year in 2025 posting a 10-11 record, 3.59 ERA, 32 games and 189 strikeouts in 193 innings pitched in his age 34 season. He’s turned himself into a high end pitcher late in his career after a slow start with the Baltimore Orioles who he debuted with.
Since 2021, he has had an ERA under 4 and has consistently been one of the most durable starters in baseball pitching at least 170 innings during that span. He looks to be a staple at the top of the Blue Jays rotation that also includes Trey Yesavage, Dylan Cease, and Max Scherzer.
The starting rotation for Toronto is solid and will get a boost with the addition of Cease in free agency. Gausman is thankful to have a player of Vladimir Guerrero Jr‘s caliber on his team on the offensive side of the baseball (h/t Thomas Hall, MLB.com).
Guerrero Jr is one of the best players in baseball and has cemented his name atop the Blue Jays lineup for years to come. The Blue Jays agreed to a 14-year 500 million dollar extension to keep him on the team through 2039.
Last season Guerrero was an All-Star and hit .292 with 23 home runs, .848 OPS and 84 RBIs in 680 plate appearances . He is also a five time All-star, gold glove winner and a two-time Silver Slugger
He has reached 30 home runs 3 times and had a career year in 2021 with 48 home runs, .311 batting average and 1.002 OPS. Guerrero was originally signed back in July 2015 for 3.9 million out of the Dominican Republic and made his debut in 2019 at 20 years old.
Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27)John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
(John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)
He’s the son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero who had an excellent career mostly with the Montreal Expos and Los Angels Angels. Guerrero Jr has excelled early on in his young career with plenty left ahead for him to accomplish at just 27.
Guerrero Jr isn’t shy under pressure and stepped up during the Blue Jays World Series run. He hit .397 with 8 home runs and 15 RBIs as the most feared hitter in Toronto’s lineup.
The Blue Jays’ success will depend on him this season after losing other top hitter Bo Bichette. Gausman and Guerrero will both be important pieces to help Toronto get back to the World Series sooner rather than later.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.