Photo credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The "Hound" might officially be leaving the kennel, as new reports suggest Chris Bassitt is a primary target for the Atlanta Braves.
It stings to see a warrior who gave everything to this city potentially heading to a National League rival, but the business of baseball stops for no one.
According to insider Jon Heyman, the Braves are "in on" the veteran right-hander as they look to stabilize their rotation.
Chris Bassitt (Drafted Round 16, 2011 by White Sox) is exactly the kind of pitcher Atlanta needs after a disappointing 76-win season.
He is not flashy, but he is the definition of reliable.
In 2025, he posted a gritty 11-9 record with a 3.96 ERA over 170.1 innings for the Blue Jays.
More impressively, he made 32 appearances, proving that his durability is still elite even at age 36.
The Heavy.com report highlights how perfect of a fit he would be for a Braves team that ranked 22nd in rotation ERA last year. https://heavy.com/sports/mlb/toronto-blue-jays/chris-bassitt-braves-free-agent/
Reliability is the ultimate currency in January
We all remember what Bassitt did in the playoffs.
After missing the ALDS with back inflammation, he returned to throw 8.2 innings of one-run ball out of the bullpen in the ALCS and World Series.
That level of selflessness and execution is rare.
If he does leave, he walks away with his head held high.
The projected contract of around $31 million over two years is a price tag the Jays could match, but the front office seems to have other priorities.
For Braves fans, getting a guy who has thrown 150+ innings in five straight full seasons is a dream scenario.
For us, it’s a tough pill to swallow, but we wish the "Hound" nothing but the best.
He pitched with the heart of a champion every time he took the mound in Toronto.
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