The Blue Jays offseason is officially underway. While golf may be the activity of choice right now, president and CEO Mark Shapiro and his team are attempting to do damage control by addressing the media and personnel concerns. The Blue Jays should address player retention, starting with pitcher, Chris Bassitt.
The obvious concern with the Blue Jays overall retention plan lies with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. Shapiro advised that commenting on this ongoing negotiation was not appropriate at the time during his media availability but it is clear that the interest to keep Guerrero in Toronto is a priority for the organization and the fans. 
Aside from run scorers and big bats that the Jays need to focus on, it is also important to keep the starting rotation intact. Is Bassitt in sight of a longer-term career in Toronto?

<h2>Chris Bassitt in 2024:</h2>
<ul>
<li>ERA: 4.16</li>
<li>Innings pitched: 171.0</li>
<li>fWAR: 2.2</li>
<li>FIP: 4.08</li>
<li>Strikeouts: 168</li>
<li>K/9: 8.84</li>
<li>BB/9: 3.68</li>
<li>WHIP: 1.46</li>
<li>Salary: $22,000,000</li>
</ul>
The right-hander has openly<a href="https://www.thestar.com/sports/blue-jays/theres-unrest-in-the-blue-jays-clubhouse-but-the-source-isn-t-what-you-might/article_ed2da2f4-6e11-11ef-9cd8-c71cfee18e07.html"> shared his views</a> on this year’s season and his feelings on the clubhouse. He did rebuttal the onus on the front office, however Bassitt and all of the Blue Jays faithful understand the state of the franchise. Bassitt is signed through 2025, giving him one more season North of the border. His status in Toronto sits between being a long-term Blue Jays starter and collateral for a move to bring more offence to the Rogers Centre. 
Both Bassitt and the front office share frustrations and both sides have the same goal. It must be tough for Bassitt to sit through October and watch his former team exceed expectations, heading to the American League Conference Series. 
The Blue Jays and Bassitt will benefit from one another. An extended contract feels like it makes sense for both parties. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
5 IP | 7 Ks | 0 ER| W 🐶
Another win for Bassitt means another $10K donated for kids in <a href="https://twitter.com/JaysCare?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JaysCare</a> programs 👏
Pitch in and show your support at: <a href="https://t.co/BACsQRVUKN">https://t.co/BACsQRVUKN</a> <a href="https://t.co/cda8ajX7Wx">pic.twitter.com/cda8ajX7Wx</a>
&mdash; Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays/status/1795263302660165955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<h3>The Blue Jays Should Consider locking up Bassitt, giving themselves a shot at contention and giving Bassitt a shot at redemption</h3>
Bassitt is a high-calibre arm with an elite-level pitch arsenal. He’s held a pertinent role with the Jays and has an understanding of the high standards that come with the competition. The right-hander would be part of a pitching foundation for any Blue Jays team wishing to see October again and has the experience to back it up alongside the likes of Jose Berrios and Kevin Gausman.
Bassitt in 2024 was well above satisfactory, despite not repeating his debut Blue Jays season. In 2023, he went 16-8 with a 3.60 ERA. His 16 wins were league-leading alone through 33 starts. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bassich01.shtml">In 2024 he went four games below .500</a>, sitting 10-14. His ERA was a bit higher, at 4.16. His success factor this year stemmed from some inconsistent outings and consistent struggles from the offence to give him run support. On multiple occasions, the Blue Jays bats were almost non-existent. 
His eight-pitch menu was still effective overall this season, producing quality outings. Five of his eight options stayed above 15% for put-away percentage. Bassitt kept the team in the game for the most part this year, however the bats did not always show. 
<h3>Possible Landing Spots for Bassitt should he be on the trading block</h3>
Should the Blue Jays not see Bassitt as part of the long-term picture and choose to move him this winter, many teams need to rewire their starting rotation in 2025. 
Let’s start locally in the division. The Boston Red Sox will soon have two spots in their rotation to fill. Nick Pivetta is a free agent and James Paxton is set to retire. Should Pivetta move on, the two sides could link up in another deal and send Bassitt out to the coast. 
The Orioles may lose Corbin Burnes and John Means to free agency, and due to their failure in the postseason this year, additional starting pitching would be appropriate. The New York Mets could take another stab at the right-hander. The Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, and the Philadelphia Phillies may be in the same boat and may be possible landing zones for Bassitt once the World Series is over and done with.
<hr />
&nbsp;
<h2>Previously in this series&#8230;</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/blue-jays-2024-player-review-george-springer-took-another-step-back-offensively">Blue Jays 2024 Player Review: George Springer took another step back offensively</a></li>
</ul>

The Blue Jays offseason is officially underway. While golf may be the activity of choice right now, president and CEO Mark Shapiro and his team are attempting to do damage control by addressing the media and personnel concerns. The Blue Jays should address player retention, starting with pitcher, Chris Bassitt.

The obvious concern with the Blue Jays overall retention plan lies with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. Shapiro advised that commenting on this ongoing negotiation was not appropriate at the time during his media availability but it is clear that the interest to keep Guerrero in Toronto is a priority for the organization and the fans. 

Aside from run scorers and big bats that the Jays need to focus on, it is also important to keep the starting rotation intact. Is Bassitt in sight of a longer-term career in Toronto?


<h2>Chris Bassitt in 2024:</h2>
<ul>
 	<li>ERA: 4.16</li>
 	<li>Innings pitched: 171.0</li>
 	<li>fWAR: 2.2</li>
 	<li>FIP: 4.08</li>
 	<li>Strikeouts: 168</li>
 	<li>K/9: 8.84</li>
 	<li>BB/9: 3.68</li>
 	<li>WHIP: 1.46</li>
 	<li>Salary: $22,000,000</li>
</ul>
The right-hander has openly<a href="https://www.thestar.com/sports/blue-jays/theres-unrest-in-the-blue-jays-clubhouse-but-the-source-isn-t-what-you-might/article_ed2da2f4-6e11-11ef-9cd8-c71cfee18e07.html"> shared his views</a> on this year’s season and his feelings on the clubhouse. He did rebuttal the onus on the front office, however Bassitt and all of the Blue Jays faithful understand the state of the franchise. Bassitt is signed through 2025, giving him one more season North of the border. His status in Toronto sits between being a long-term Blue Jays starter and collateral for a move to bring more offence to the Rogers Centre. 

Both Bassitt and the front office share frustrations and both sides have the same goal. It must be tough for Bassitt to sit through October and watch his former team exceed expectations, heading to the American League Conference Series. 

The Blue Jays and Bassitt will benefit from one another. An extended contract feels like it makes sense for both parties. 

https://twitter.com/BlueJays/status/1795263302660165955
<h3>The Blue Jays Should Consider locking up Bassitt, giving themselves a shot at contention and giving Bassitt a shot at redemption</h3>
Bassitt is a high-calibre arm with an elite-level pitch arsenal. He’s held a pertinent role with the Jays and has an understanding of the high standards that come with the competition. The right-hander would be part of a pitching foundation for any Blue Jays team wishing to see October again and has the experience to back it up alongside the likes of Jose Berrios and Kevin Gausman.

Bassitt in 2024 was well above satisfactory, despite not repeating his debut Blue Jays season. In 2023, he went 16-8 with a 3.60 ERA. His 16 wins were league-leading alone through 33 starts. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bassich01.shtml">In 2024 he went four games below .500</a>, sitting 10-14. His ERA was a bit higher, at 4.16. His success factor this year stemmed from some inconsistent outings and consistent struggles from the offence to give him run support. On multiple occasions, the Blue Jays bats were almost non-existent. 

His eight-pitch menu was still effective overall this season, producing quality outings. Five of his eight options stayed above 15% for put-away percentage. Bassitt kept the team in the game for the most part this year, however the bats did not always show. 
<h3>Possible Landing Spots for Bassitt should he be on the trading block</h3>
Should the Blue Jays not see Bassitt as part of the long-term picture and choose to move him this winter, many teams need to rewire their starting rotation in 2025. 

Let’s start locally in the division. The Boston Red Sox will soon have two spots in their rotation to fill. Nick Pivetta is a free agent and James Paxton is set to retire. Should Pivetta move on, the two sides could link up in another deal and send Bassitt out to the coast. 

The Orioles may lose Corbin Burnes and John Means to free agency, and due to their failure in the postseason this year, additional starting pitching would be appropriate. The New York Mets could take another stab at the right-hander. The Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, and the Philadelphia Phillies may be in the same boat and may be possible landing zones for Bassitt once the World Series is over and done with.

<hr />

&nbsp;
<h2>Previously in this series...</h2>
<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/blue-jays-2024-player-review-george-springer-took-another-step-back-offensively">Blue Jays 2024 Player Review: George Springer took another step back offensively</a></li>
</ul>

Blue Jays 2024 Player Review: Chris Bassitt has emerged as a valuable leader on the team

Arizona Fall League update: Adrian Pinto hit a crucial home run in the All-Star game

Free Agent Profile: Veteran closer Kenley Jansen is an option to consider for a depleted Blue Jays bullpen

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement (28) gets congratulated after scoring against the New York Mets during the second inning at Rogers Centre.

Recent articles from Nick Prasad

Breaking News