Blue Jays name Gausman as Opening Day starter

The Toronto Blue Jays announced right-hander Kevin Gausman will start Opening Day of the 2026 regular season on March 27 against the Athletics.

This will be Gausman's first Opening Day start for the Blue Jays since signing a five-year, $110-million contract before the 2022 season.

"I'm pumped for him, pumped for us," manager John Schneider said, according to MLB.com's Keegan Matheson.

"It's about time he got one."

Since inking his deal, Gausman has become one of the most reliable starters in the majors. The 35-year-old owns a 48-41 record with a 3.48 ERA and 3.14 FIP in 125 starts spanning 733 2/3 innings for the Blue Jays.

The veteran hurler has also made eight postseason appearances for the Blue Jays, registering 38 strikeouts in 40 1/3 innings pitched.

Gausman is in the final year of his contract.