Kevin Gausman addresses Blue Jays ahead of trade deadline

Kevin Gausman, if nothing else, went out on a high note. 

Ahead of Monday's MLB trade deadline, the veteran pitcher has floated in trade rumors. Many thought Gausman's scheduled start Saturday would be scratched to keep the pitcher healthy for his next team.

Instead, the 35 year old delivered "an old-fashioned Kev game," as general manager John Schneider said postgame.

He pitched 5.2 innings, allowed 1 run, and struck out 4. The Blue Jays won 5-1 over the Cardinals. 

After he left in the 6th, the home crowd showered Gausman with support. 

Kevin Gausman exits to a standing ovation in what could be his final game as a Blue Jay pic.twitter.com/KkAldFjjAw

MORE: ESPN reveals odds Blue Jays trade Kevin Gausman by MLB deadline

After that moment and a home win, Gausman was asked about his time in Toronto. The veteran's responses make it seem like the he might have pitched his last game as a Blue Jay.

Kevin Gausman addresses Blue Jays ahead of potential trade

After the win over St. Louis, Gausman was asked about the reception he got from the Toronto faithful on his walk to the dugout. 

He said he was emotional and had to gather himself in the tunnel after the ovation.

“This has been the best decision I ever made… to come here," Gausman told reporters.

He signed a 5-year, $110 million deal to come to Toronto in 2021. Since then he's been a core piece of the rotation, with the highlight a trip to the 2025 World Series.

Gausman continued praising the environment in Canada. He hasn't been traded yet, but by his comments it seems like he's bidding the Blue Jays goodbye.

“I hope they realize that I’ve embraced not just the team, but the country. I really love this city and everything that it stands for," he said postgame.

"I knew I was going to love it right away. It's a great place to raise a family," Gausman added.

It's a heartwarming sentiment ahead of what could be his departure.

The Blue Jays are on a winning streak for the first time in what feels like forever. At 52-59, the bottom of the AL East, prospects are bleak for the defending American League champs. 

Toronto could be sellers. They could sell off Gausman. And if they do, the veteran went out on his sword. 

More MLB news:

• Mets have no plan to offer contract extension to Freddy Peralta amid trade rumors
• Astros among teams calling Giants about Logan Webb’s trade availability
• Yankees linked to Padres for potential rotation for bullpen swap
• Diamondbacks linked to Nationals’ Luis Garcia Jr. as perfect trade fit
• Red Sox predicted to trade for Tigers’ Gleyber Torres at deadline