The Toronto Blue Jays fell one game short of a World Series title, and they didn’t waste any time improving their roster this offseason.
Weeks after losing Game 7 of the World Series, the Blue Jays signed one of the best free agent pitchers on the market, Dylan Cease, to a massive $210 million deal. This should boost the team’s pitching staff by adding a high-potential ace at the top of the rotation. As a result, the Blue Jays could lose veteran pitcher Chris Bassitt in free agency this winter.
Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.com recently projected Bassitt would ditch the Blue Jays and sign a deal with the rival Baltimore Orioles this offseason.
“Adding a veteran starter on a short-term deal to improve an area of concern,” Caldera wrote.
The Orioles rolled the dice with their starting rotation last season, and it didn’t pay off. They took a huge step back and struggled mightily all season. As a result, they whiffed on the postseason and watched three division rivals make their runs at the World Series.
Adding Bassitt and another arm or two would bolster the rotation quite a bit. Bassitt is a very reliable arm who could sign for quite an affordable price. The righty is projected to sign for $45 million, per Jim Bowden of The Athletic.
The Orioles would need to make another move to improve their pitching rotation, but adding Bassitt would certainly be a step in the right direction.
