The Toronto Blue Jays may be preparing for the departure of another experienced pitcher, with Chris Bassitt widely expected to be playing for a different team by the 2026 season.
According to a projection by FanSided’s Christopher Kline, the Philadelphia Phillies could emerge as the leading destination for the veteran right-hander, who remains available on the free-agent market.
Kline noted that Philadelphia’s failure to land Bo Bichette significantly altered its offseason plans. With few realistic options left to make a major offensive upgrade, Phillies president Dave Dombrowski is likely to shift focus toward strengthening the pitching staff instead.
The Phillies, in particular, are seeking a dependable arm capable of logging innings while Zack Wheeler recovers from an elbow issue. Bassitt fits that profile well. At 36, he has built a reputation as a durable starter who consistently avoids hard contact, relying on a deep arsenal of off-speed pitches rather than overpowering velocity. Additionally, his versatility could allow him to transition into a bullpen role if necessary.
From Toronto’s perspective, Bassitt’s potential departure would not be disastrous, especially following recent pitching additions such as Dylan Cease. However, losing him would still create a noticeable gap. While Bassitt may no longer be a frontline ace, he has been a reliable workhorse for the Blue Jays, providing valuable innings and stability in the rotation.
Replacing that level of dependability is no easy task, particularly for a team with aspirations of returning to the World Series and reclaiming the American League East title.
Although the Blue Jays have enjoyed a productive offseason overall, there is an argument to be made for bringing Bassitt back. Re-signing the veteran could serve as a smart finishing touch, ensuring Toronto maintains depth and experience in its pitching staff as it pushes toward championship contention.
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