"The Toronto Blue Jays need to take advantage of a weak schedule to begin the 2026 season. They host the Athletics for a three-game set to begin the season, then the Colorado Rockies, before jetting off to Chicago for a three-game series against the White Sox. Realistically, they should be 7-2 at the worst after these nine games."
"Well, Kevin Gausman is a good bet to do so. He was the Blue Jays' best starter in 2025, authoring a 3.59 ERA and 3.41 FIP in 193 innings pitched, with a 24.4 K% and 6.5 BB%. Gausman had a strong second half, finishing with a 2.81 ERA and 2.76 FIP in 83.1 innings pitched, which included a nine-inning shutout on Sep. 11."
The Blue Jays open 2026 with a favorable nine-game stretch at home and in Chicago and should realistically be at least 7-2. Strong starting pitching is crucial to capitalizing on the weak schedule. Dylan Cease, signed to a seven-year, $210 million deal, should be the Opening Day starter and offers elite stuff and durability if consistency is unlocked. Cease's ERA has fluctuated between even and odd-numbered seasons while his FIP has remained excellent since 2021. Kevin Gausman projects as a likely second-game starter after a strong 2025 season and postseason performance. The series finale after Gausman remains to be decided.
Read at BlueJaysNation
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