Fans are worried about Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt
Photo credit: MLB.com
Chris Bassitt's time with the Toronto Blue Jays has been a true rollercoaster ride.
Toronto Blue Jays' pitcher Chris Bassitt is making a promising comeback after a poor campaign last season.
After signing a three-year, $63 million contract following a solid 2022 season with the New York Mets, Chris Bassitt made an immediate impact. The veteran right-hander had an outstanding first year with the Blue Jays, posting a 16-8 record, a 3.60 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP, and 2.7 WAR across 200 innings, playing a key role in Toronto's playoff berth.
Tyler Maher from the Toronto Blue Jays On Si writes that Bassitt's performance took a big downturn in 2024, mirroring the team's struggles. He had one of the worst seasons of his career, finishing with a 10-14 record, a 4.16 ERA, a 1.46 WHIP, and -0.1 WAR in 171 innings.
"Entering the final year of his deal, fans weren't sure what to expect from the 36-year-old former All-Star. Would he bounce back, stay the same or continue to decline?" -Maher
Few could have predicted Chris Bassitt's incredible start to the 2025 season, which has been one of the best stretches of his career.
Maher also writes that after striking out 10 batters in five shutout innings in his most recent outing against the Atlanta Braves, Bassitt boasts the lowest ERA (0.77) and FIP (0.98) in MLB. He's also 2-0 with 31 strikeouts in 23.1 innings, along with an AL-best 1.4 pitching WAR, despite facing four tough lineups in his first four starts.
His 1.9 BB/9 rate and 12.0 K/9 rate are both career bests, indicating that he's been aggressive in attacking hitters and staying in the strike zone. Additionally, his 64.5% first-strike rate is the highest of his career, allowing him to get into more favorable pitcher's counts.
"The biggest key for him has been locating his pitches well and getting a bit more movement on them, which is fooling batters. Hitters are chasing more of his pitches outside the zone than ever before (31.3% swing percentage), and they're swinging more inside the zone as well. His 49.2% swing rate is the highest of his career, perhaps due to his slightly diminished velocity." -Maher
That said, it's unlikely Bassitt will maintain this level of performance throughout the season. While he's a skilled pitcher capable of outthinking and fooling hitters, despite a decrease in raw stuff, he's not going to keep up this exceptional pace.
"He may earn another All-Star appearance with a strong first half, but don't start engraving his Cy Young trophy just yet." -Maher
Bassitt will aim to continue his strong run in his next start against the Houston Astros early next wee but fans are worried his game might start to decline.
Source:
Toronto Blue Jays On Si
Is Former All-Star's Shocking Rebound With Toronto Blue Jays Sustainable?
Toronto Blue Jays On Si
Is Former All-Star's Shocking Rebound With Toronto Blue Jays Sustainable?
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