By Aaliyan MohammedShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe Toronto Blue Jays won the American League East last season and defeated their rival, the New York Yankees, in the postseason on their way to the Fall Classic.
The Blue Jays were defeated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series and now have some key players on the open market. It's unrealistic to think the Blue Jays will retain all of their free agents, and Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter predicted Chris Bassitt would leave Toronto to join the Yankees.
"With Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt all expected to start the year on the injured list, the Yankees will be in the market to add a starter, though a stopgap veteran on a short-term deal makes the most sense considering Cole and Rodón are both expected back early in the season," wrote Reuter. "Chris Bassitt has pitched in New York before, he threw the ball well in a swingman role during the Blue Jays' run to the World Series, and at 36 years old, his market will likely be limited to short-term offers."
...Bassitt started 31 games last season. He was moved to the bullpen for the postseason after posting a 3.96 ERA in the regular season. Simply put, the Blue Jays had better options for the postseason rotation. However, Bassitt thrived out of the bullpen, playing a major role in the team's trip to the World Series.
In seven postseason games, he had a 1.04 ERA in 8 2/3 innings of work. He allowed just three hits and struck out 10. The veteran could be a solid addition for the Yankees' rotation and then serve as a bullpen piece when Cole and Rodón are back. He could also be insurance in case the team deals with more injuries or someone struggles.
Bassitt is a former All-Star but has a 4.06 ERA in the last two seasons. He looked great in the bullpen, and perhaps he could pitch there more moving forward. However, his leaving for the Yankees would leave a sour taste in the mouths of Blue Jays fans.
More MLB: Dodgers Tabbed to Trade No. 5 Prospect River Ryan For 4-Time Gold Glover
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