Chris Bassitt gives the Blue Jays another viable, durable starting pitcher to stabilize their top-heavy rotation, writes Tom Verducci
scored more runs per game last season than the Blue Jays. But the Jays finished seven games behind the Yankees in the AL East with what was the worst rotation of the 12 playoff teams .
With Ryu hurt, Kikuchi a bust and Ross Stripling a free agent, Toronto needed a reliable starter. After Jacob deGrom and Justin Verlander signed earlier this month, and with Carlos Rodón seeking six or more years, Bassitt was the Jays’ next best choice to fill that role. With his six-pitch mix, Bassitt is a master at taking the ball deep into games by moving the baseball off the barrel of bats, particularly with the late, short movement on his sinker and cutter.
In adding Bassitt, a ground-ball pitcher, the Jays continue to emphasize durability over stuff with their starters. Only 39 pitchers threw 172 innings last season. They now have four of them: Alek Manoah, Gausman, Bassitt and Berríos, all righthanders. Those four ranked among the top 29 pitchers at facing the most hitters a third time in a start.
The Toronto rotation ranked 15th last year in strikeout rate. The Jays were swept two games in the wild-card series against Seattle, when Manoah and Gausman each gave up four runs in 5 ⅔ innings at home.The additions of Bassitt and center fielder Kevin Kiermaier push Toronto closer to the first luxury tax threshold of $233 million. The Blue Jays never have paid the tax.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Chris Bassitt, Blue Jays agree to 3-year deal: reportVeteran right-hander Chris Bassitt reportedly agreed to a three-year deal to join the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday. Bassitt spent last season with the New York Mets.
Leer más »
Blue Jays sign Chris Bassitt to three-year, $63 million deal as starting pitching market narrowsChris Bassitt, agreed to a three-year, $63 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, according to a person with direct knowledge of the deal. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because deal isn't finalized yet.
Leer más »
Chris Bassitt signing with Blue Jays on $63 million contractThe right-hander agreed to a three-year, $63 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday.
Leer más »
Toronto Blue Jays set to sign ex-Rays outfielder Kevin KiermaierThe signing of 32-year-old KKiermaier39 — a three-time Gold Glove award winner — is pending a physical and at least in part fills the void left when the BlueJays traded right-fielder Teoscar Hernandez to Mariners last month.
Leer más »
Former Cleveland Indians pitcher T.J. House comes out as gayHouse, who pitched in Cleveland from 2014-16, recently announced his engagement to his long-term boyfriend, Ryan Neitzel.
Leer más »