The rumor mill ignited when forecasts suggested the Padres might emerge as the next destination for the Blue Jays’ $45M star after the World Series loss.NL
The Toronto Blue Jays were within one game and one run of winning the World Series this season, but they ultimately came up short to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now, the Blue Jays are at risk of losing some important pieces in free agency.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic projected Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt would sign a big $45 million deal in free agency this winter, which could be a problem for the Blue Jays as they chase bigger free agents.
The Athletic’s Andy McCullough recently predicted Bassitt would bolt from Toronto and sign with the San Diego Padres this offseason.
TORONTO, ON – MAY 20: Chris Bassitt #40 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch during the first inning against the San Diego Padres in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on May 20, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
“Approaching his 37th birthday, Bassitt is finishing up a three-year, $63 million deal that went well for both him and the Toronto Blue Jays,” McCullough wrote. “He made at least 31 starts each season. He put up a 3.89 ERA. He morphed into an essential reliever for manager John Schneider during the World Series run. His presence could stabilize the San Diego rotation. Yu Darvish will miss the season. Joe Musgrove is coming back from Tommy John surgery. Michael King may sign elsewhere. Bassitt is a veteran you can trust.”
The Padres need to sign a pitcher to replace Michael King and Dylan Cease, but they don’t have the money to sign a player for over $150 million, like Cease is likely to land.
Getting Bassitt would be the perfect solution for the Padres. They need to find an affordable veteran to plug into the rotation for the time being, and there aren’t many veteran arms on the market who bring the same level of consistency that Bassitt brings.
