The defending AL champs made their first major subtraction ahead of the deadline in deciding to trade Gausman before he reaches free agency this winter. It’s a somber conclusion to a tremendously successful tenure in Toronto for the right-hander, who didn’t miss a single turn through the Blue Jays rotation since signing a five-year, $110 million free-agent deal; only Logan Webb and Dylan Cease have made more regular-season starts since the beginning of 2022.
No matter the prospects coming back, this was always going to be a difficult and emotional farewell to a pitcher who endeared himself to the community and fan base at every turn. But trading Gausman is an entirely reasonable decision for the Jays to make given the circumstances, and Toronto landed two intriguing minor-league position players worth monitoring for the future, even if the chances of them making a Gausman-like impact are microscopic
Bateman is a center fielder; Southisene a shortstop. Southisene bats righty; Bateman swings left-handed. Bateman is three years older. The biographic details differ on the surface, but the pros and cons of their profiles as prospects are remarkably similar. The topline question for both is simple: Can their defense at premium positions, plus speed and exceptional knack for reaching base overcome a lack of raw power at the plate?
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