Kevin Gausman doesn't know if he'll pitch in 2027. That hasn't stopped the Blue Jays reunion chatter from picking up again.

"Honestly, I don't know," Gausman told reporters after the Cubs were eliminated. "I need to sit down, talk with my wife and figure that out."

His five-year, $110 million contract has expired. After 14 seasons and more than 2,000 innings, retirement would be completely understandable.

If he keeps going, The Athletic's Mitch Bannon has suggested a reunion with Toronto could be likely.

That's a different read from MLB.com's Keegan Matheson, who said earlier this month he's "not as optimistic as the aggregated headlines are."

The numbers explain the hesitation. Gausman posted a 4.51 ERA over 115.2 innings with Toronto before the deadline deal.

Two insiders disagree on a Kevin Gausman reunion

It didn't get better in Chicago. He made nine regular-season starts for the Cubs with a 4.83 ERA.

The trade itself already worked for Toronto. Brett Bateman became the club's leadoff man, and Ty Southisene adds upside in the system.

So why bring him back? The rotation still has holes, with José Berrios rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and Cody Ponce coming back from a knee injury.

Shane Bieber and Max Scherzer are also free agents. Depth matters after a season in which injuries wrecked the staff.

But that depth shouldn't come from a declining 35-year-old on a sentimental contract. The Jays have better options in Bieber, Robbie Ray and Foster Griffin.

It's like playing your favourite song on repeat after it stopped sounding the same. The memories are great, but the notes don't hit like they used to.

He meant a lot in Toronto. He was a fan favourite and an important part of the 2025 World Series run.

If he decides to keep pitching, the emotional pull will be real. Ross Atkins' job is to make sure that pull doesn't make the rotation decision for him.