The Toronto Blue Jays will likely see fan-favorite pitcher Chris Bassitt play elsewhere in 2026.
Bassitt completed his three-year, $63 million deal with the Blue Jays and was a key part of their success. The right-hander went to the bullpen in the playoffs and was a high-leverage reliever for the Blue Jays, especially in the World Series.
Although Bassitt is beloved in the clubhouse and by fans, his time in Toronto now appears to be over. Johnny Giunta of the Gate 14 podcast, and also a friend of Bassitt, revealed that four teams are showing interest in the veteran pitcher.
“He’s like, this is easily the latest I’ve ever not known where I’m going for spring training,” Giunta said on Gate 14. “Bassitt is essentially like, am I going to Arizona or Florida. I know the teams in the mix, I know it’s the Cubs, I know it’s the Padres, I know it’s the Orioles, and I know it’s the Yankees. I’m surprised he’s not signed yet.”
With four teams showing interest in Bassitt, it does seem like a contract will be signed soon. All four teams are expected to compete for the playoffs, and have a need in the rotation. So Bassitt will have a tough decision to make.
Bassitt went 11-9 with a 3.96 ERA in 32 games. In the playoffs, he had a 1.04 ERA in 7 games out of the bullpen.
Pair of Blue Jays Rivals Showing Interest in Bassitt
Bassitt still not being signed is a bit interesting, but he could be closing in on a deal.
Throughout the offseason, two Blue Jays rivals, the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles, have shown interest in him.
MLB insider Jon Heyman of The New York Post, meanwhile, reported that the Orioles could land Bassitt after failing to sign Framber Valdez.
“With Framber Valdez gone to the Tigers, Zac Gallen could top their list, followed by Lucas Giolito, Chris Bassitt and others,” Heyman wrote.
The Orioles have a clear need in the rotation, and Bassitt is a workhorse who can eat innings for Baltimore.
New York, meanwhile, could also use another starter, especially with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon injured to begin the season.
So, it does seem like Bassitt will be pitching elsewhere in 2026 after three solid years with the Blue Jays.
Blue Jays Rotation Has Questions
Toronto enters spring training with most of its rotation set.
The Blue Jays have Kevin Gausman and Dylan Cease as their top two starters, while Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, and Cody Ponce are expected to fill out the rotation. Yet, Toronto still has Jose Berrios and Eric Lauer as starting options.
However, having extra starters is a good problem to have for the Blue Jays, according to reporter Mitch Bannon of The Athletic.
“Seven starters for five rotation slots is a great problem to have,” Bannon wrote. “Injuries in spring could easily solve the issue. If Bieber needs to slow-play spring and isn’t ready for Opening Day, this starting group looks a lot less busy.
“That depth is part of why FanGraphs projects Toronto’s staff to be the seventh-most valuable in MLB entering spring. But this remains Toronto’s most intriguing position group. And if ailments or performance don’t sort out the surplus, the Jays will face tough conversations or trade talks.”
The Blue Jays open their 2026 MLB season on March 27 at home against the Athletics.
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