The Jays Opt for Certainty With Chris Bassitt

Chris Bassitt is 11th-best pitcher in baseball since the start of the 2020 season. Bassit has made a living inducing weak contact over the years. He's always going to allow a lot of balls in play, meaningfully more than the average pitcher. The Rogers Centre is a neutral park, and it's good place to hit homers. Bassett has the highest GB/FB ratio of his career. His sinker-first pitch suppresses contact to same-handed batters and produces a raft of pop ups. When he's not throwing sinkers, he is increasingly throwing sweeping sliders.

Chris Bassitt is a good bet to deliver above-average innings for the next few years. He's also fairly durable and reliable. The Jays have a solid offensive core and good top-end pitching. Getting the safest bet reduces their volatility.   The main thing they need to do to remain in the playoff mix is not have their pitching staff implode.

Chris Bassitt signed a three-year contract with Toronto. The deal is in line with the way teams are valuing pitchers in free agency this year. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette will be free agents after 2025. Alejandro Kirk, George Springer and Kevin Gausman will reach free agent the year after that. Bassett makes the Jays better for those years and gives them flexibility in 2026. If they retain Guerrero and Bicshetse, they can sign another free-agent pitcher or re-up with Bassit.