What Cubs Gave Up in Kevin Gausman Trade

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In acquiring Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday evening, the Chicago Cubs took at least one step toward stabilizing their rotation. Of course, even for a pending free agent, a pitcher of that stature doesn't come without a notable cost in terms of prospects headed the other way.

As part of the deal, the Cubs sent middle infield prospect Ty Southisene and outfielder Brett Bateman to the Jays. Of our top prospects in the Cubs' organization, Southisene was the higher-ranked prospect of the two (no. 15), with Bateman's departure somewhat thinning out an unclear outfield picture for the future at the top level.

Southisene began the 2026 season in Low-A, before being promoted to High-A. Upon his promotion to the higher of the two, he absolutely thrived. At the time of the deal, Southisene was slashing .333/.459/.381 with a walk rate (14.9%) that exceeded his strikeout rate (12.9%) and a 134 wRC+. The approach is Southisene's hallmark, as indicated by the low strikeout figure and overall ability to make contact.

Within his profile, however, lurk two major questions. Whether he can add any semblance of power is the first one. His ISO in A-ball was .105 before slipping to .048 in High-A. In his brief time in the system, there's been very little power to speak of, and whether more is on the way remains to be seen, and to access any pop, he might have to sacrifice some of the hit tool. The second question revolves around his position. Southisene's arm strength is a question, leaving many to wonder if he can stick at shortstop or is destined for work at the keystone for the better part of his career.

Ultimately, Southisene rising to the top level with the Cubs was always going to be a tough sell. His profile isn't dissimilar from that of Nico Hoerner, who is plugged into second base for the next six years after his contract extension earlier this year. While you love a profile that sits on a foundation of approach and contact, it was unlikely we were ever going to see him climb all the way up given the Hoerner-sized roadblock standing in his way—especially given that the transition to second seems like a lock.

In Bateman, though, the Cubs lost a similar profile but at a more certain position of need. With each of Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki set to hit free agency this winter, there is very little certainty to speak of on either side of Pete Crow-Armstrong on the grass.

Bateman had looked very good in Triple-A after starting there at the outset of the 2026 season. His slash read .312/.431/.422 with closely-aligning strikeout (18.8%) and walk (17.3%) rates and a 126 wRC+. There's a bit more power than his trade-mate Southisene (.110 ISO), with the ability to play all three outfield spots competently. He's not featured in our list of Cubs top prospects. Nor will you find his name across other outlets (even the ones that feature a higher volume). However, that profile could have allowed him to hang around as a fourth outfielder at some point.

At the end of the day, this is kind of the plutonic ideal of a deadline deal for the Cubs. They acquired a player at a dire position of need, while sending back a pair of prospects with decent floors but limited ceilings. The Cubs may end up missing Bateman more than Southisene considering the aforementioned absence of clarity on the grass, but this doesn't feel too much like a deal where they're going to regret the prospects they had to send the other way against the stability wrought by the pitcher they were able to acquire. It also shouldn't stop them from being able to do anything else they want to get done today.