Toronto Blue Jays remain firmly in win-now mode after a heartbreaking World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and their aggressive offseason approach reflects a franchise determined to finish the job in 2026.
With Toronto actively linked to several marquee free agents, roster changes appear inevitable—and one All-Star veteran is now emerging as a potential departure amid the club’s latest moves.
Toronto’s front office has spent the winter exploring upgrades across the roster. The Blue Jays have been connected to elite outfielder Kyle Tucker, continued discussions around retaining cornerstone infielder Bo Bichette, and were even in the mix for Alex Bregman before the third baseman signed a five-year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs. Each move underscores Toronto’s urgency to capitalize on its championship window.
Chris Bassitt’s future comes into question
While most attention has centered on offensive reinforcements, veteran starter Chris Bassitt quietly entered free agency after serving as a reliable piece of Toronto’s rotation for the past three seasons.
Bassitt, an All-Star-caliber arm and proven innings-eater, played a steady role during Toronto Blue Jays’ recent postseason pushes.
Given his consistency and experience, a reunion once appeared logical. However, with Toronto allocating resources elsewhere and Bassitt ranking among the more appealing pitchers on the open market, his path back to the Blue Jays is no longer guaranteed.
Unexpected suitor emerges from the AL West
Bassitt’s market may now include a surprising contender. In a recent Bleacher Report column, Kerry Miller identified a “realistic” target for each MLB team, naming Bassitt as a potential fit for the Athletics.
“The A’s were one of four teams to allow at least 5.0 runs per game in 2025, and it wasn’t all Sutter Health Park’s fault. They simply don’t have a postseason-caliber pitching staff, and they’ve done nothing thus far to fix that. There are several reasonably priced options still out there, though, including old friend RHP Chris Bassitt, who was a Cy Young candidate for the A’s in 2020 and 2021,” Miller wrote.
Bassitt’s prior success with the organization adds a layer of familiarity that could accelerate negotiations.
Toronto balancing ambition and roster turnover
As Toronto Blue Jays chase high-impact additions, tough decisions loom regarding veteran contributors. Bassitt’s potential exit would mark a notable shift in Toronto’s rotation makeup, but it may be a calculated move as the club prioritizes elite talent elsewhere.