The Toronto Blue Jays need to make some big adjustments to their starting rotation and according to MLB insider Jim Bowden, Chris Bassitt might be on his way out of Toronto.
Bassitt is coming off a below average year in Toronto but was still one of their better pitchers which is why they want to switch things up since you cannot be a playoff team with one of your best pitchers having a 4.16 ERA.
MLB insider believes the Blue Jays will trade Chris Bassitt before the season
Just like Bowden argues that, «trading Guerrero is imperative if they can't sign him to a long-term deal this offseason,» he doubts the Blue Jays will extend Bassitt, who is only signed through next season. Therefore, he believes, «they should move the 35-year-old righty now while he still has trade value.»
Many believed that the Blue Jays should have traded Bassitt at last years trade deadline but even without making that move, GM Ross Atkins actually did a solid job acquiring many top end prospects.
Back in July, Jays Journal made the case the Toronto Blue Jays should have traded starter Chris Bassitt at the trade deadline. The impressive return the Blue Jays front office acquired for a two-month rental of back-of-the-rotation starter Yusei Kikuchi and a clear need to restock their organization with higher-end, young talent were reasons to move the veteran righty. -Kime
The only reason the Blue Jays should keep Bassitt is if they planned on signing him to an extension which will probably not happen since he is 35 years old and clearly on the decline.
The smart move would to trade Bassitt this off-season which would free up a spot in the Blue Jays rotation for them to go and sign a top end arm in free agency.