Trade deadline speculation will be an unfortunate constant for the Toronto Blue Jays for the next few months.
After a last-place finish in 2024, the 13-16 Blue Jays now sit in fourth place in the American League East. It’s still early and margins are slim, but if it’s not apparent by late July that the Jays have a clear shot at the playoffs, trade questions will be aplenty.
Thankfully, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is now exempt from those trade rumors. But the Blue Jays have plenty of other stars whose futures in Toronto aren’t guaranteed, all of whom will hear their names thrown around if the team can’t climb in the standings.
One name to watch is Chris Bassitt, who is off to a stellar start to the season. The crafty 36-year-old could be gunning for his second career All-Star appearance in July, and his three-year, $63 million contract expires at the end of the year.
On Tuesday, New York Post insider Jon Heyman said during an appearance on MLB Network that Bassitt could be dealt at the deadline if the Blue Jays fall out of the playoff hunt.
“How about Toronto? They’ve got some great starting pitchers,” Heyman said. “Chris Bassitt (is) off to a fantastic start.”
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
Bassitt has a 2.62 ERA, 39 strikeouts, and only seven walks allowed so far this season through six starts/34 1/3 innings. Even if he can’t keep up this level of play, there would undoubtedly be teams that would want him as a reliable innings-eater on a one-year deal.
The ideal scenario for Toronto, of course, is staying in playoff contention and keeping Bassitt around. But if there’s truly no hope for a playoff berth, getting a major prospect haul for the righty wouldn’t be a bad consolation.
More MLB: Projected $62 million closer loosely linked to Cubs ahead of 2025 trade deadline
