MLB Rumors: One Big-Name Team Drops Off List Of Chris Bassitt Suitors

Chris Bassitt is the second-best starting pitcher still available on the free agent market. But the draft pick compensation attached to him has likely left some potential teams squeamish. He does have some serious suitors, but one big-name, and supposedly big-spending team, isn't currently interested.

Chris Bassitt is *not* currently on the Giants radar; I’d written they may have some interest but that’s not in the cards at the moment.

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) December 11, 2022

San Francisco Giants beat writer Susan Slusser says that Bassitt is "not currently on the Giants' radar."

It's quite likely that the team is focusing all of its efforts on the pitching side on re-signing their own All-Star Carlos Rodon, who is now in a tier all by his lonesome at the top of the pitching market. The latest rumors have Rodon looking for a seven-year pact. The Giants are also highly involved in the Carlos Correa pursuit. 

Bassitt, 33, is, according to one recent report, "seemingly positioned to land a four-year deal at a substantial AAV.”

Bassitt has been consistently one of the top starters in baseball over the past four seasons, maintaining an ERA in the mid-3.00s across that period. He was an All-Star with the Oakland A's in 2021, and filled a crucial role in the New York Mets' rotation in 2022, going 15-9 with a 3.42 ERA.

Former 3-time World Series Champ and 4-time 20-game winner Dave Stewart can't speak highly enough about Bassitt.

Chris Bassitt is the best value on the market. Verlander and Rondon are in a different class, so don’t jump me yet. Durability, leadership, tenacity, great teammate, he shows up every fifth day and competes pitch for pitch with all the #1 starters in the league. @MLB wake up!

— Dave “Smoke” Stewart (@Dsmoke34) December 3, 2022

"Chris Bassitt is the best value on the market... Durability, leadership, tenacity, great teammate, he shows up every fifth day and competes pitch for pitch with all the #1 starters in the league." 

Photo: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports