The Toronto Blue Jays had a good thing going with Chris Bassitt.
Despite putting together an 11-9, 166-strikeout, 31-start season, the Blue Jays have not yet brought back the veteran hurler. Instead, they have signed Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to solidify their starting rotation.
This winter has not been flush with reunions, Shane Bieber aside; the Blue Jays have moved on from Bo Bichette and Seranthony Dominguez. Luckily, this has paved the way for additions in the form of Kazuma Okamoto and Tyler Rogers. These additions are likely to have a big impact in the seasons to come.
Despite their interest in Framber Valdez (who could be reaching a decision shortly), the Blue Jays have been urged to bring back Bassitt for the 2026 season.
Toronto Blue Jays Urged to Bring Back Chris Bassitt…With a Catch
Bassitt has yet to decide where he will play in the 2026 MLB season. However, one MLB analyst believes the Blue Jays should bring him back, but not in his typical regular season role.
Ben Wrixton of Blue Jays Nation has urged Toronto to sign the veteran hurler in a high-leverage role.
“It’s February, yet Chris Bassitt remains a free agent after a solid campaign in 2025,” Wrixton wrote on February 3, 2026. “The Toronto Blue Jays should take advantage of his seemingly weak market by offering him a new contract to pitch out of their bullpen as a high-leverage reliever. Bassitt was his usual reliable self as a starting pitcher last season, recording a 3.96 ERA and 166 strikeouts across 170 ⅓ innings pitched.”
“He made at least 30 starts for the fourth straight year despite landing on the injured list at the end of September.”
Wrixton went on to explain why he believes Bassitt is pitch-perfect (pun intended) for a high-leverage reliever role with the Blue Jays.
“Bullpen Bassitt was a different beast,” Wrixton said of Bassitt’s playoff performance. “He threw his fastballs harder, simplified his repertoire, and attacked hitters more aggressively than he did during the regular season. He also handled pressure-packed situations with the cool demeanour of an 11-year veteran.”
Chris Bassitt Has No Shortage of Suitors
Every team in the MLB could use a mid-rotation starter who eats innings for breakfast, lunch, and supper. MLB.com has a list of teams that could especially use a player of Bassitt’s calibre.
On January 27th, 2026, they named a handful of teams. The New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Braves, and Chicago Cubs were all named as potential landing spots.
It would be foolish to completely rule out a return to the Blue Jays. However, given where things are heading, that doesn’t seem likely.
According to Spotrac, Bassitt currently holds a two-year, $31 million market value.
Blue Jays Becoming a Frontrunner For Top Free Agent?
Jon Heyman of the New York Post recently reported on the Blue Jays’ current interest in Valdez. In a social media post, he shared the latest information he has on the topic.
“Jays are among several teams that have interest in top free agent starter Framber Valdez,” Heyman wrote on X on February 3rd, 2026.
As far as who else could sign the top available southpaw hurler, the Orioles are cited as the most likely possibility. However, a new team has entered the fray. According to Ken Rosenthal, the Pittsburgh Pirates are in hot pursuit.
No matter how this situation shakes out, it should be comforting for Blue Jays fans. Knowing the team is looking to spend whatever it can to have the best players at each position is a great sign.
Whether it’s Bassitt returning, Valdez joining, or another move that no one sees coming, the 2026 season should be nothing short of entertaining.
Blue Jays Urged to Bring Back $31-Million Hurler as Framber Valdez Talks Surge