As the New York Yankees have reported interest in starting pitching, there are multiple cheap options out there for them to pursue. Among the options is right-hander Chris Bassitt, who most recently pitched with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Jordon Lawrenz recently urged the Yankees to make a move for the veteran, adding that at this stage of the offseason, the Yankees are in the business of landing depth rather than an ace.
“A few weeks ago ESPN's David Schoenfield said that Bassitt would no longer be a great fit for the Yankees, but at this point in time they may have no choice. If this team wants to be taken seriously, they need to put the narrative to rest that they aren't looking for a starter.
“The Yankees need pitching depth just as much as the Los Angeles Dodgers do. It's as simple as that. No matter how comfortable you may be with your rotation come August, this team still needs to be in a position where they can actually make the playoffs to begin with. Bassitt is certainly getting up there in age, but so is everyone on the market. After all, it's not like he's Justin Verlander. This righty still has a lot left in the tank, as seen with his 30+ starts in each of his last four seasons,” he wrote.
Despite championship expectations, New York has some questions to answer in the rotation. Gerrit Cole’s health remains a concern, while several other starters have either dealt with injuries or are dealing with them now.
Bassitt isn’t an ace or someone who will come in and strike out 240 hitters, but he’s reliable and has proven in recent years that he can stay on the mound for 30-plus starts.
For the Yankees, recent seasons have shown how quickly pitching plans can change. The harsh reality of Major League Baseball is that all teams will deal with an injury on the mound at some point.
From a financial standpoint, Bassitt won’t command the type of deal that should worry the Yankees. There’s probably even a chance they can get him for a year or two, with a second year being an opt-out.