The Toronto Blue Jays are coming off an excellent season where they were named AL East champions for the first time in 10 years. They channeled that into a run that put them in the World Series, giving it all they could against the Los Angeles Dodgers in an exciting series.
Now with the season over, the club turns to the offseason. They are tasked with trying to keep up with the heavy spenders like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox to ensure they stay at the top of the division.
They have a few key players heading to the open market, like Bo Bichette, Chris Bassitt, and Max Scherzer, just to name a few. They will try and re-sign some of these players, but they certainly will not be able to re-sign all of them.
Blue Jays' Chris Bassitt receives $34 million contract projection from ESPN insider
Chris Bassitt could receive a ton of interest over the offseason. While not one that will lead the group of starting pitchers on the open market, he is coming off a consistent season where he showed up when it mattered the most.
ESPN's Kiley McDaniel believes that with what he has done lately, he could receive a two-year, $34 million contract with an AAV of $17 million.
"He'll turn 37 in February, and his velocity slipped from 92.7 mph in 2024 to 91.4 in 2025, so he is likely limited to a one- or two-year deal. That said, his track record ensures he'll land an AAV in the $15 million-plus area.:
That could be something well within Toronto's budget. It will be interesting to see if he returns or another team decides he would be better suited with them.
More MLB news:
- Yankees' Devin Williams predicted to sign multi-year deal over the winter
- Jose Urquidy heads to free agency as the Tigers decline his $4 million option
- Astros outfielder quickly catches on with the Orioles after being waived
- Former MLB catcher questions Craig Stammen's ability to lead the Padres
- Blue Jays GM opens the door for the club to sign a closer over the winter