Kevin Gausman DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman has put on some weight this offseason, making him appear "sturdier," according to manager John Schneider. Gausman said that adding some weight is typical, knowing that he'll lose some of the added pounds as the season progresses, but intimated that this might be the first time he remains over 200 pounds for the entirety of the campaign. Nevertheless, the 6-foot-2 hurler is expected to fill the ace role again for the Jays in 2025, although he may not be an ace for fantasy any longer. Last season, the righty posted a 3.83 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and a 14.0% K-BB%. Even though he finished strong by recording a 2.22 ERA and 1.04 WHIP over his final nine starts, many of his underlying stats contradicted that outcome, with his K%, BB%, SwStr%, xFIP, and SIERA coming in worse when compared to his first 22 starts, so make sure not to overpay when drafting.

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman (back) said his back tightened up on his last warm-up pitch before being pulled early in Thursday's start against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field, but as of now, he isn't overly concerned and expects to make his final regular-season start next Tuesday against the Boston Red Sox. Regardless, the 33-year-old veteran will be a bit more risky for fantasy managers that are still playing for a championship next week against Boston. Before being pulled on Thursday, Gausman tossed five scoreless innings with one walk and six strikeouts to pick up his 13th victory of the season in the team's 4-0 win over Texas. He now has a 3.91 ERA and 1.22 WHIP on the season heading into the final week of the regular season. In two starts against Boston in 2024, Gausman has allowed nine runs (seven earned) while walking four and striking out nine in 11 2/3 innings pitched.

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman (back) was removed from Thursday's game early against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field due to lower-back tightness. Before leaving, Gausman at least had a nice day on the mound, throwing five scoreless innings while walking one and striking out six to leave in line for the win. It's unclear how serious the 33-year-old's injury is, but with the season winding down and the Blue Jays not having anything to play for, they will not be rushing Gausman back to the starting rotation. If his injury isn't serious, he's scheduled to toe the rubber again next Tuesday against the Boston Red Sox. After coming in third in the American League Cy Young voting in 2023, Gausman has taken a step back in 2024, entering Thursday's start with a 4.02 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 153 strikeouts and 52 walks in 170 innings over 29 starts.