He certainly wasn’t cheap, but the Toronto Blue Jays secured the services of right-handed starter Chris Bassitt on a three-year deal worth $63 million.
It’s $21 million per year for a steady veteran who is coming off a successful season with the New York Mets.
The Blue Jays certainly needed some certainty in the middle of their rotation: Ross Stripling is a free agent, Jose Berrios struggled badly in 2022, and Nate Pearson hasn’t developed as hoped.
Hyun-Jin Ryu is also injured.
Signing Bassitt was not a luxury: it was a need.
MLB insider Ken Rosenthal offered more details about the deal, specifically, the no-trade clause.
Deal includes limited no-trade clause. Bassitt can specify eight teams per year to which he cannot be traded. https://t.co/yGPeQguvCR
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 12, 2022
Analysts recognize his worth as a pitcher: he can be relied upon to finish with an ERA under 4.00, like he has in the last five seasons.
Bassitt is incredibly underrated IMO. Good get for Toronto. https://t.co/657VcxPorM
— Eric Cross (@EricCross04) December 12, 2022
In fact, he posted a 3.42 ERA with the Mets last year and is a 3.45 ERA hurler for his career: you can’t find a more consistent pitcher, in a world in which inconsistency is common.
The Blue Jays’ rotation is starting to take shape after Bassitt’s signing:
#BlueJays’ projected rotation for 2023:
Alek Manoah
Kevin Gausman
Chris Bassitt
Jose Berrios
Yusei Kikuchi
Mitch White— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) December 12, 2022
The Blue Jays’ Offseason Is Probably Not Done
Knowing how bad Berrios and Kikuchi were in 2022, they should strongly consider going after one more pitcher, at least.
Ryu could be an option at some point in the second half, but history has taught us all not to bank on Tommy John returnees to complete their rehab without a setback.
The Blue Jays, once again, invested important resources on a top free agent.
This marks four consecutive off-seasons the #BlueJays have spent at least $20 million per year on a multi-year free agent deal. Ryu, Springer, Gausman, Bassitt. As they should, being a large-market, win-now team.
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) December 12, 2022
They have a strong core of homegrown stars, but when they need top talent, they arent afraid of going to the market like a top team should.
With Bassitt in the fold, they probably aren’t done spending.
Let’s see what else they have in store for their fans.
NEXT: Blue Jays Makes Huge Signing For Their Rotation
Bernard Alvares says
Jays need to plug in holes in outfield. Pirates asking price for Reynolds is unrealistic but there are many OF options like Michael Brantley, Michael Comforto,, Jurickson Profar etc. without depleting the farm.