Blue Jays' Chris Bassitt Predicted to Make Surprise Landing in Cleveland
The Toronto Blue Jays have made significant strides in rebuilding their starting rotation, but former ace Chris Bassitt is unlikely to be part of that crew. The team's general manager Ross Atkins and manager John Schneider opted to splash cash on Dylan Cease, a top-tier pitcher on a $210 million deal, and went with a bounce-back option in Cody Ponce.
As a result, the door has been left open for Bassitt to explore options elsewhere. Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer believes that Bassitt would be an ideal fit for the Cleveland Guardians. The team boasts a solid top half of their rotation, but lacks stability at the back end. A duo of Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee provides a reliable foundation, while Logan Allen and Slade Cecconi are merely average.
Bassitt's career has demonstrated his reliability as a starter, earning him above-average innings totals over seven seasons. In contrast to the Blue Jays' situation, where there simply won't be room for Bassitt even if he returns, the Guardians could utilize him to great effect.
Furthermore, with no competition in sight from Jose Berrios or other current members of the starting rotation, Bassitt would have little reason to consider a return to Toronto. Instead, this move presents an opportunity for both parties: the Blue Jays can shed salary and clear cap space, while Bassitt finds himself a solid destination with legitimate room for growth.
While it remains to be seen what the future holds for Chris Bassitt, one thing is certain: Cleveland seems like an attractive option for the veteran pitcher.
The Toronto Blue Jays have made significant strides in rebuilding their starting rotation, but former ace Chris Bassitt is unlikely to be part of that crew. The team's general manager Ross Atkins and manager John Schneider opted to splash cash on Dylan Cease, a top-tier pitcher on a $210 million deal, and went with a bounce-back option in Cody Ponce.
As a result, the door has been left open for Bassitt to explore options elsewhere. Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer believes that Bassitt would be an ideal fit for the Cleveland Guardians. The team boasts a solid top half of their rotation, but lacks stability at the back end. A duo of Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee provides a reliable foundation, while Logan Allen and Slade Cecconi are merely average.
Bassitt's career has demonstrated his reliability as a starter, earning him above-average innings totals over seven seasons. In contrast to the Blue Jays' situation, where there simply won't be room for Bassitt even if he returns, the Guardians could utilize him to great effect.
Furthermore, with no competition in sight from Jose Berrios or other current members of the starting rotation, Bassitt would have little reason to consider a return to Toronto. Instead, this move presents an opportunity for both parties: the Blue Jays can shed salary and clear cap space, while Bassitt finds himself a solid destination with legitimate room for growth.
While it remains to be seen what the future holds for Chris Bassitt, one thing is certain: Cleveland seems like an attractive option for the veteran pitcher.