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Blue Jays expected to part ways with veteran pitcher after blockbuster trade
Photo credit: Jays Journal
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Chris Bassitt may have to pack his bags, following a blockbuster trade deadline that saw superstar Shane Bieber join the Toronto pitching rotation.
Bassitt is a pending free agent, and at 36 years of age does not have a foreseeable future for AL East leaders.
Blue Jays pitcherChris Bassitt on his way out following former Cy Young Winner Addition
Zach Pressnell of Newsweek reports the high likelihood that veteran Blue Jay's pitcher Chris Bassitt will no longer be with the team following this season.
Toronto, who were leading the AL East at the trade deadline added some even more firepower with former Cy Young award winner Shane Bieber joining the rotation.
Although the former Guardian has yet to pitch this season due to Tommy John surgery, he is expected to make his debut soon.
"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."
-Pressnell.Set to hit free agency after the 2025 season, Bassitt has been a steady and productive presence throughout his three years with the club. The veteran right-hander has recorded double digit wins in those seasons, including an AL best 16 victories in 2023.
This year so far he holds an 11-5 record with a 4.12 ERA, a 1.31 WHIP, and 126 strikeouts across 129 innings over 24 starts.
""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. Bassitt sits on an expiring contract and didn't seem to be returning to Toronto before the Bieber addition. Adding Bieber is seemingly the nail in Bassitt's coffin with the Blue Jays."
-PressnellWith several promising arms climbing through the minor league system, the Blue Jays may be ready to move on from Bassitt.
The veteran right-hander will likely seek a one or two year contract from the highest bidder, and regardless of whether the decision rests with the team or the player, his time in Toronto appears to be nearing its end.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 9 | 409 ANSWERS Blue Jays expected to part ways with veteran pitcher after blockbuster trade Is Chris Bassitt on his way out? | ||
| Yes | 282 | 68.9 % |
| No | 127 | 31.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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