MLB Trade Deadline: Kevin Gausman fills a Cubs need, and other deals made Monday

The MLB Trade Deadline has passed, and so the teams on the field beginning tomorrow are basically what you will see for the rest of the season, plus perhaps an addition or two once rosters expand in September (though with a limit of two added players, those spots are often reserved for players coming off the IL).

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We’re just barely past the deadline and new players haven’t even suited up for their new teams yet. Here are my snap thoughts and grades on the four deals the Cubs made just before the deadline, in more or less chronological order.

I’ll have more on the impact of these deals on the Cubs tomorrow.

Kevin Gausman from the Blue Jays for Brett Bateman and Ty Southisene: A-

Gausman fills a significant need for the Cubs for the next eight weeks — a healthy starting pitcher. There have been so many injuries to the Cubs rotation that it’s a credit to the staff that they’ve done as well as they have.

Some look at Gausman’s ERA (4.38) and worry, but his FIP of 3.51 is basically the same as last year (3.41) and the rest of his peripherals are pretty much in line with his 2025 season.

Bateman and Southisene are both decent prospects, but I think they both profile as bench players for the Jays (or wherever they wind up). It’s a reasonable cost for a two-month rental.

The only reason for A- instead of A is that this is a rental and Gausman is 35.

Jameson Taillon and cash considerations to the Blue Jays for a PTBNL and cash considerations: B+

This is a good deal if only because the Cubs likely got something positive here. When Taillon was DFA I suspected that was it — instead there’s at least some return. Perhaps this will help offset some of the contract money the Cubs are taking on for Gausman.

Wouldn’t it be weird if Taillon and Gausman pitched against each other on Thursday? It’s possible.

Braxton Garrett from the Marlins for Jonathon Long and Jace Beck: Incomplete

Garrett had Tommy John surgery and missed all of 2025. He had a 4.3 bWAR season for the Marlins in 2023, then missed much of 2024 as well as last year. He’s made two starts for the Marlins with a rather ghastly 14.54 ERA. He’s already been optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

Most likely this is a deal looking to 2027. So I can’t really give a grade here.

Long was blocked with the Cubs at 1B and DH so he’ll get a chance to play in Miami. Beck is 26 and has split this year between Double-A Knoxville and Triple-A Iowa with middling results.

If Garrett throws well in 2027 this is a win, but we don’t know yet.

Clay Holmes and Tyrone Taylor from the Mets for Jefferson Rojas: B

Rojas is the Cubs No. 2 prospect but he’s blocked, as well as having been passed up by Pedro Ramirez.

Holmes has been injured but it was not a arm injury. He’s coming off a fractured fibula and has been on rehab assignment and could be ready soon.

Taylor should take the place of Justin Dean on the roster. He’s a capable fourth outfielder who hits reasonably well.

Overall? A solid B for these deals. What do you think? The Cubs World Series odds increased after the Gausman deal, per this report.

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