As the Toronto Blue Jays’ losing streak has ballooned to four, early trade deadline whispers have already begun to percolate.
Last season, the Blue Jays sold at the deadline and wound up winning just 74 games, finishing in last place in the American League East. They’re hoping to avoid a similar fate this season, but the opportunity to sell may eventually be too enticing to ignore.
It’s a seller’s market in the age of three wild-card teams, and the Blue Jays have some pieces who could command huge hauls if they hit the trade market. That list includes a former All-Star pitcher having an excellent start to the season.
Thirty-six-year-old Chris Bassitt, who owns a 2.95 ERA through his first seven starts of the year, is coming to the end of a three-year, $63 million contract. The Blue Jays traded a rental starter last year in Yusei Kikuchi, and could easily do the same with Bassitt.
On Thursday, Zach Pressnell of FanSided wrote that fans shouldn’t “be surprised” if the Blue Jays wind up trading Bassitt, since he’s fairly unlikely to re-sign in Toronto as a free agent.
“The Blue Jays aren’t going to be forced to trade Bassitt. But they have quite a few arms in the Minors who could replace him this season,” Pressnell wrote.
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“Trading the righty for a solid prospect return would likely be the best move for Toronto. Don’t be surprised if Bassitt is off the roster by the trade deadline.”
Bassitt has fallen off All-Star pace over his last few starts, but he’s still amassed an impressive 43 strikeouts through his first 39 1/3 innings this year, giving him a FIP of 2.91 and an ERA+ of 137.
Toronto would rather not have to think about selling Bassitt, because that would mean they’ve re-established themselves as playoff contenders. But their offense has been languishing all season, so a lot needs to change by mid-July to accomplish that scenario.
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