Blue Jays predicted to lose long-time veteran to NL contender in short-term deal

The Toronto Blue Jays could be facing the loss of another key veteran this offseason, as Chris Bassitt is expected to be on a different roster in 2026.

FanSided’s Christopher Kline predicted that the Philadelphia Phillies would sign the right-hander, who is still without a team on the free agency market.

“Whiffing on Bo Bichette set the Philadelphia Phillies back a lot,” Kline wrote. 

“There is no clear path to a major lineup upgrade at this point, meaning Dave Dombrowski probably turns his attention to fine-tuning the rotation. Philadelphia needs someone to eat innings while Zack Wheeler rehabs his elbow. Bassitt, 36, has made his reputation on durability. He still misses barrels with a healthy mix of off-speed pitches, and he can move into a bullpen role if such a need arises, too.”

For the Blue Jays, losing Bassitt wouldn’t be the worst thing, given some of their additions like Dylan Cease, but it wouldn’t be ideal. While he may no longer be that top-of-the-rotation arm, Bassitt has given the Blue Jays a ton of innings.

That reliability is difficult to replace, especially with the Blue Jays looking to make it back to the World Series and win the AL East once again. 

Toronto has had a very nice offseason, but it wouldn’t be the worst idea to consider re-signing him to cap it off.

More Blue Jays news:

• 4 Blue Jays named to MLB's Top-100 Players Right Now list
• Blue Jays predicted to make massive $430 million commitment to pair Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with best player he’s ever played with
• Blue Jays All-Star free agent among options Mets are pursuing in MLB offseason
• Blue Jays reportedly given green light by ownership to spend more than they ever have