For the most part, during his time with the Toronto Blue Jays, Chris Bassitt has thrown the baseball at an above-average level. To say that Bassitt has been an ace by any means would be unfair, but he does other things that help the Blue Jays out.
Not only has Bassitt thrown to a near 4.0 ERA during his time in Toronto, but he’s been able to stay on the mound. Throughout his three seasons with the Blue Jays, he’s thrown 527.0 innings.
Of course, the Blue Jays were likely hoping that Bassitt would be a bit better regarding runs given up, but he’s facing hitters more than ever, staying on the mound, and most importantly, striking hitters out. As a free agent this winter, there will still be teams interested in acquiring the 36-year-old out of Toledo, Ohio.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Blue Jays might have to worry about one of their division rivals, noting that the Baltimore Orioles could be interested.
“Ex-Met is great competitor. Jays, Orioles, Giants, Mets, Tigers,” Heyman wrote.
Could Blue Jays Lose Chris Bassitt?
Others believe that because of the Shane Bieber addition at the trade deadline, the Toronto Blue Jays will look to move on from Bassitt and allow him to walk in free agency.
However, it’s also important to note that despite the trade, Bassitt could be someone they decide to keep around because Bieber is expected to hit the free agency market.
Despite that, Edward Eng of FanSided believes the Blue Jays will cut ties with the veteran right-hander this winter.
“The Blue Jays made their biggest splash at the deadline with the acquisition of former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber. With a player option remaining in his contract for next season, Toronto hopes that a successful conclusion to the 2025 season, along with the potential of a solid playoff run, can convince the star 30-year-old to be in the long-term plans of the franchise going forward. If that comes to fruition, that would likely spell the end to Chris Bassitt and his tenure with the Jays…
“At 36-years-old Bassitt will likely be looking for one final multi-year contract to lead up to his potential retirement. With Bieber now representing the Jays’ most ideal replacement option for Bassitt in the rotation, and players like Trey Yesavage closing in on their big league debuts, this will likely become Bassitt’s last season with Toronto as a result,” he wrote.
Do the Blue Jays Want to Keep Chris Bassitt?
It’ll likely come down to what the Toronto Blue Jays do during free agency. They might allow Bassitt to explore other options early on or even try to offer him a cheaper deal. However, it might be a better idea to keep him around, even if it’s because he could be a middle-of-the-rotation guy and eat innings.
Tyson Shushkewich of Blue Jays Nation believes there shouldn’t be much debate about re-signing the veteran, noting that Toronto will lose multiple arms over the next few years.
“Keeping Bassitt around might be the smart play for a Jays squad that could potentially lose all five members of their rotation by the end of 2026, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the front office lets him walk with so many internal options knocking on the door in the rotation. A short-term deal might work here if the value sits well for both sides,” he wrote.
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