Chris Bassitt Becoming Trade Candidate From Toronto Blue Jays

It sounds like the Toronto Blue Jays are becoming a little more flexible in their trade deadline plans. Just last week, we heard that the team would only be willing to sell off any player on an expiring contract. Now, according to insider Jon Morosi, they are "expected to consider trade offers for players under contract beyond 2024" as well.

Case in point, starting pitcher Chris Bassitt, who will face another strong trade candidate Jack Flaherty in a game at the Rogers Centre Friday night, a game that will have a "strong contingent of scouts" in attendance to watch those two starters.

The Blue Jays are expected to consider trade offers for players under contract beyond 2024, not merely those on expiring contracts.

A strong contingent of scouts will be in Toronto tonight for the Chris Bassitt-Jack Flaherty matchup.@MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 19, 2024

Bassitt has one season left at $22 million next year before he hits free agency again after the 2025 season. He is having another strong and consistent season on the mound for the Jays, with a 3.52 ERA. That's actually lower than last season, but on a much worse Toronto team in 2024, he will not approach his 2023 AL-best 16 wins again this year.

The 35-year-old with the bulldog mentality on the mound would be a tremendous addition to the middle of any contender's rotation heading down the stretch and into the playoffs.

And of course, of those "players under contract beyond 2024" that the Jays are now supposedly considering trade offers on, could Bo Bichette and/or Vlad Guerrero Jr. be among that group?

We gave you the lowdown on Bichette's growing chances of getting dealt earlier this week.