The Toronto Blue Jays have overhauled their rotation, and a key part of it is Trey Yesavage.
Toronto drafted Yesavage 20th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, and he made his MLB debut last season. The right-hander was dominant as he played a key role in the Blue Jays reaching the World Series and getting to Game 7.
Now, ahead of his first full MLB season, former MLB reliever Trevor May compares Yesavage to Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman.
“I think Trey Yesavage is a very good No. 2,” May said on his Instagram. “I think Trey Yesavage’s ceiling is Kevin Gausman. They are very similar; we are talking prime Kevin Gausman. It’s the splitter, ride four-seam; he might be a little higher than Gausman.
“A tier-two type of ace, possibly, I think that is peak. Maybe if he adds another pitcher that goes horizontally, but Gausman never did, so right now, it has to be command. Right now, he’s heavily, heavily dependent on deception, which is great, but he needs to evolve a little bit. I think a really top-end two, a bottom-end one.”
If Yesavage can have a career like Gausman’s, it would be a solid one, especially if he’s prime Gausman throughout his career.
Gausman has been a key part of Toronto’s rotation for years as he’s a two-time MLB All-Star. In his prime, he’s been a mid-to-low 3 ERA and someone who pitched 180+ innings every year.
Blue Jays Yesavage Showed Dominance in World Series
Toronto used Yesavage in the playoffs, and he was dominant for the Blue Jays.
In Game 5 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Yesavage set the all-time rookie record for strikeouts in a World Series game with 12.
Following the game, Blue Jays manager John Schneider said he was ‘blown away’ by Yesavage’s performance.
“Thinking back to when we called him up, you’re kind of taking a shot to just bring more talent in, and you’re not really sure of how it’s going to unfold or what role he’s going to be in,” Schneider said. “I said it before the game, man, but the regular season’s going to be pretty normal for him now. He’s definitely raised our ceiling. I mean, we’re talking about a guy that not only is he performing well, but he’s handling a lot of stuff well.”
Yesavage, meanwhile, said he just went out there to pitch and give it his all for the team.
“I gave everything I had for this team, for this organization, and they did the same back,” Yesavage said. “I’m so grateful to be in this situation. I gave everything to the fans. I gave everything to Canada and all of the stops I made along the way. I’m so blessed to be in this position.”
Yesavage finished the playoffs going 3-1 with a 3.58 ERA in 6 games, including 5 starts.
Gausman Doesn’t Want to be Compared to Yesavage
After Yesavage’s first MLB appearance, where he dominated the Tampa Bay Rays, Blue Jays ace Kevin Gausman said he didn’t want to be compared to him.
Although both made their MLB debuts at 22, and are known for dominant splitters, Gausman believes Yesavage is a lot better than him.
“I was nowhere near that when I was 22. Don’t even compare me to him,” Gausman said.
However, given that both play for the Blue Jays, the comparison will be there.
Blue Jays Trey Yesavage Gets Intriguing Player Comparison Ahead of 1st Season