Chris Bassitt is getting looks from the Detroit Tigers.
According to a recent report from The Athletic, now-former Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Chris Bassitt is drawing interest from the Detroit Tigers, though it's unclear if they can swing the deal financially.
Per the publication:
The Detroit Tigers continue to explore the starting-pitching market, talking to free-agent right-handers Lucas Giolito and Chris Bassitt, among others, according to a person briefed on their conversations. The potential for an addition might be less likely if they lose their arbitration case with left-hander Tarik Skubal and end up paying him $32 million instead of $19 million.
About Bassitt
About to turn 37 years old, Bassitt is an 11-year veteran of the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, New York Mets and Blue Jays. He's gone 83-65 for his career with a 3.64 ERA, and he's got five straight seasons of double-digit wins. He was an All-Star in 2021 with Oakland.
About his time with the Jays
Signed to a three-year deal worth more than $60 million before the 2023 season, Bassitt helped Toronto reach the playoffs twice in three years. He led the American League in wins (16) in 2023 and made 31 starts or more in each year, providing amazing durability. This past season, he went 11-9 with a 3.96 ERA, and he became a valuable bullpen arm for John Schneider as the group advanced to Game 7 of the World Series.
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Could he end up returning to Toronto?
It seems unlikely for multiple reasons, but you never say never.
As it stands right now, Toronto figures to roll with Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce in the rotation. Should they need anybody else, they have Jose Berrios and Eric Lauer to turn to. There just doesn't seem to be room for Bassitt, and he'd have more opportunity for a secure starting role somewhere else.
Even if Bassitt was willing to end up in the bullpen full-time, the Jays seem to have seven of those eight spots filled as well, with Jeff Hoffman, Yimi Garcia, Tyler Rogers, Louis Varland, Mason Fluharty, Berrios and Lauer all but certain to have a spot.
What else for the Jays?
The rest of the offseason for Toronto comes down to if they are going to make another big splash in free agency. Will they find a way to retain Bo Bichette, even as he entertains others? How about Kyle Tucker, who they have been linked to all offseason long?
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