The Toronto Blue Jays are certainly a team to watch right now. After losing Game 7 of the World Series in extra innings to the Los Angeles Dodgers, it is no secret that they will be looking to win it all in 2026.
Because of this, the Blue Jays have been linked to multiple top free agents as the winter rolls on. One big-name star that they have been connected to throughout the offseason is top free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker. They have also been working to re-sign star infielder Bo Bichette, which is easy to understand when noting that he has been a huge part of their roster for several years. They were also among the teams tied to star third baseman Alex Bregman before he went on to sign his five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs.
Seeing the Blue Jays be connected to so many free agents is understandable, with their goal being to win the World Series. Yet, one of their key pitchers also hit the free-agent market this winter in veteran starter Chris Bassitt.
When noting that Bassitt was a solid part of the Blue Jays’ roster for each of the last three seasons, it would make sense for them to work hard to re-sign him. Yet, with Bassitt being one of the top pitchers on the free-agent market, he should have multiple options to consider.
Now, a surprising new potential suitor has been named for Bassitt.
Blue Jays Free Agent Chris Bassitt Linked to Athletics
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Kerry Miller discussed one “realistic” target for each MLB club. When it came to the Athletics, Miller specifically mentioned Bassitt as a potential option for the American League West club to bring in.
“The A’s were one of four teams to allow at least 5.0 runs per game in 2025, and it wasn’t all Sutter Health Park’s fault. They simply don’t have a postseason-caliber pitching staff, and they’ve done nothing thus far to fix that. There are several reasonably priced options still out there, though, including old friend RHP Chris Bassitt, who was a Cy Young candidate for the A’s in 2020 and 2021,” Miller wrote.
When noting that Bassitt certainly had plenty of success during his six-year stint with the Athletics, it would be understandable if they made a push for him. There is no question that he would give their rotation a nice boost if they signed him, and that’s a major need for them right now.
Yet, at the same time, the 36-year-old Bassitt going to the Athletics would put him in an entirely different situation than with the Blue Jays. The Athletics finished this past season with a 76-86 record and are not viewed as contenders heading into 2026.
Bassitt Should Land Next Contract Soon
Whether it’s with the Blue Jays, Athletics, or elsewhere, Bassitt should land his next contract soon. He is one of the most notable free agent pitchers still left on the board and would be a nice pickup for a team needing to improve its rotation.
A few other teams that have been linked to the Blue Jays’ free agent include the New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, and Detroit Tigers.
Blue Jays All-Star Free Agent Pitcher Linked to Surprise Team