The Toronto Blue Jays had a rough 2024 campaign, finishing dead last in the AL East, and many fans attributed their lack of success to their lack of pitching depth. It seems they may be considering making some changes in that regard. Despite their disastrous offseason looking lackluster in all the wrong directions, they may still be trying to be active on the trade market — subtracting, as well as adding.
According to a source that buzzed this week (and must be taken with a grain of salt, but has been right on the money plenty lately), the Blue Jays spoke with the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers about a potential fit for starting pitcher Chris Bassitt this offseason. While there is no confirmation on what they could be looking for in a trade return, it sounds like the team is considering all options as they try to find their way back to the playoffs.
Chris Bassitt Could Be Odd Man Out of Blue Jays’ Rotation
In December of 2022, the Blue Jays signed Bassitt, who is now 35 years old, to a three-year deal worth $63 million. He came in to help bolster their pitching staff and seemed to be the final piece of the puzzle as they looked to become contenders, but now he may be a contract they would prefer to move on from.
Last season, Bassitt posted a 4.16 ERA with 168 strikeouts and a 10-14 record through 171.0 innings pitched. He started 31 games and also had a 1.46 WHIP. Throughout his career, he has 1108.1 innings pitched with a 72-56 record, a 3.59 ERA and 1,025 strikeouts. Considering the Blue Jays are looking to free up some money in hopes of signing other players, Bassitt could end up being the odd man out.
The Blue Jays have had an odd offseason, and moving Bassitt could be yet another questionable move that the front office receives pushback for. If they move on from him and aren’t able to find a solid replacement, all of a sudden they have some of, if not the actual worst pitching depth in the entire MLB. Bassitt struggled a bit last season, but he still usually provides strength from the mound on a consistent basis, and soaks up innings with regularity.
The Cubs and Tigers both make some sense for Bassitt, but some other teams do as well. It’s hard not to see his former teams, the (Sacramento?) Athletics and the New York Mets, as potential fits as well. Realistically, the Blue Jays could ask for a relief pitcher and cash in return, but time will tell if they end up choosing to move on from him.