MLB Rumors: Top 3 Suitors For Chris Bassitt

He's been an underrated rotation workhorse for years, now Chris Bassitt will be heading into free agency at the age of 33, for likely one last big payday. He actually has a mutual option with the Mets on a 1-year, $19M salary for 2023, but he hinted earlier on Saturday that although he'd like to stay in NY, free agency seems like his best bet at this point.

Chris Bassitt says it’s a “pretty easy decision” when it comes to his mutual option with the Mets.https://t.co/NjyKcpCqbO pic.twitter.com/H4WuimkySc

— Chris Rose Sports (@ChrisRoseSports) November 4, 2022 

According to the New York Post, Bassitt is in line for a contract in the neighborhood of 3 years, $66M. That beats $19M every time.  

Let's have a look at three of the top suitors for Bassitt in free agency. 

New York Mets

The incumbent Mets face a bit of a quandary: they have a slew of significant players heading into free agency and need to figure out who to bring back at what prices. Bassitt was a solid contributor in his one year in the Orange & Blue, going 15-9 with a 3.42 ERA, while holding down the fort when top two starters Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer were both out for a stretch. This comes off an All-Star season in Oakland in 2021 and a 2.29 ERA with the Athletics in 2020.

Texas Rangers

The Rangers are ready to spend big again this offseason, and after focusing on hitting last year, pitching will be their main target this winter. While they have been mentioned as a possible suitor for Bassitt's teammate Jacob deGrom, if they don't get him they could very easily pivot and go after Bassitt to add a proven solid veteran presence to their roster.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have a great 1-2 punch at the top of their rotation in Alek Manoah and Kevin Gausman. But after that it gets dicey. Ross Stripling is a free agent, and Jose Berrios had his worst year in the majors in 2022. The Jays definitely need another dependable veteran starter. Bassitt could be right in their wheelhouse from an experience and contract standpoint.

The St. Louis Cardinals have also been mentioned as a possible Bassitt suitor.

Photo: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports