Former Cubs prospect becoming unlikely hero for Blue Jays' AL Wild Card push

It's been an odd season for the Toronto Blue Jays. They were one out away from winning the World Series last year, and by the time this year's trade deadline rolled around, they appeared to be dead in the water. The Chicago Cubs took advantage of that reality, striking a trade for Kevin Gausman, but that might have been the move that revived Toronto's chances of making the playoffs this year.

The Blue Jays went 17-11 in August, and despite having a record of 68-70, they are only 1.5 games back of the final wild card spot in the American League. At the center of their success has been one of the prospects the Cubs gave up in the Gausman trade.

Before the trade, Brett Bateman spent the entire 2026 season with Triple-A Iowa. He was slashing .312/.430/.421 with a wRC+ of 126. With the speed and fielding skills to add to his offensive success, it was clear that Bateman was ready for the call. The problem is that the Cubs didn't have room for the 24-year-old. Perhaps, if Bateman was a right-handed hitter, they would have given him a look instead of trading for Tyrone Taylor, but circumstances are what they are.

Brett Bateman has become unlikely hero of Blue Jays' once-fading AL Wild Card hopes

Instead, Bateman made his debut with the Blue Jays on August 8 and they haven't looked back. Through his first 88 plate appearances, Bateman is slashing .333/.384/.410 with a wRC+ of 127. He's compiled a 0.9 fWAR in just 19 games, and he has emerged as a steady option at the top of their starting lineup.

Bateman represents the one area of the Cubs' farm system that has proven successful. The Cubs, for the most part, have been able to develop college hitters. Bateman was drafted during the middle rounds of the 2023 draft, and found success at every level of the Cubs' system. Especially outfielders, the Cubs, in recent years, have proven successful with their development plan.

Even though it's not happening with the Cubs, Bateman's success should be considered a victory. They were able to turn it into an established starting pitcher who should help them during the playoffs. Of course, it goes without saying that the Cubs will need better than the 5.14 ERA Gausman has through his five five starts with the team.

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