Kevin Gausman’s Splitter Woes and Trade to Cubs: A Deep Dive
Kevin Gausman, the veteran right-hander recently traded to the Chicago Cubs, has been a reliable presence in the majors, but recent performances have raised concerns. His velocity is slightly down, yet the bigger issue lies with his signature splitter. Historically, Gausman has been the career leader in splitter strikeouts in the Statcast era, but this season, the pitch isn’t moving as much in either direction, leading hitters to make harder contact. This decline in effectiveness has contributed to inconsistent outings, especially in his last 11 starts, where he allowed one or no runs five times but at least four runs in the other six.
Despite these struggles, Gausman remains a dependable starter, which is crucial for a Cubs rotation in need of stability. The trade, which sent two minor leaguers to Toronto, brings a 35-year-old with 2,081 career strikeouts and playoff experience to Chicago. Gausman has adapted over the years, reducing his breaking ball usage from 15% to 10% to maintain effectiveness, but the splitter’s diminished movement is a new challenge. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, continue to struggle offensively, scoring just one run in his last start, as they remain the lowest-scoring lineup in MLB.
For the Cubs, Gausman’s arrival is a calculated risk. His reliability is a plus, but his recent inconsistency is a concern. The team hopes that a change of scenery and a solid defense behind him will help him regain his form. As for the Blue Jays, they are betting on young talent to bolster their future, while Gausman looks to prove he can still be a top-tier starter. The coming weeks will be telling for both sides.
Shimanta Das 
