Introduction

As Chris Bassitt enters his final contracted year with the Toronto Blue Jays, fans and analysts are curious about the impact the 36-year-old right-hander will make on the mound during the 2025 season. Having signed a noteworthy $63 million free agent contract before the 2023 season, this year is crucial for both him and the team.

Pitching Style

Bassitt's pitching style is captivating; rather than overpowering hitters with blazing fastballs, he strategically outsmarts them. Unlike many pitchers whose game relies heavily on speed, Bassitt thrives on precision and adaptability, making every outing a cerebral challenge that chess enthusiasts would admire. This cerebral approach draws parallels to the legendary Mark Buehrle, but with a focus on executing the 'right' pitch rather than maintaining a strict rhythm.

Career Stats

In his tenure with the Blue Jays, Bassitt has accumulated a solid record of 26 wins against 22 losses, boasting a 3.86 ERA over 64 starts and 371 innings pitched. His bWAR stands at 2.4, with a breakdown of 2.5 in 2023 and a -0.1 in 2024. FanGraphs presents a slightly more optimistic outlook, reporting a WAR of 4.7 across his two seasons, with 2.5 in 2023 and 2.2 in 2024. Some analysts argue that FanGraphs’ data offers a clearer picture of his contributions.

Season Analysis

A pivotal distinction between Bassitt’s two seasons has been his batting average on balls in play (BABIP), recording .274 in 2023 and rising to .333 the following year. Notably, his strikeout rate remained consistent, but his walk rate increased from 7.1% to 9.2%, hinting at some challenges in maintaining control. In 2023, Bassitt led the Blue Jays in innings pitched, solidifying his role as a workhorse, but the team will be looking for a rebound this season after a dip in those numbers last year.

Longevity Questions

With his 36th birthday approaching, questions loom about the longevity of pitchers as they age. Historical trends suggest that athletes who start late, like Bassitt, tend to have smoother aging curves, potentially allowing him to remain effective well into his late 30s. Remarkably, Bassitt made just 40 MLB starts in his 20s, before transitioning to a more significant role in the league. He has now made 187 MLB starts, with 121 occurring in just the past four years.

Pitch Selection Evolution

The evolution of Bassitt’s pitch selection has also been noteworthy. Once a ground-ball pitcher, his ground-ball rates have dipped from 48.8% in 2022 to 40.3% last year. Nevertheless, he maintains an extensive arsenal, employing almost every pitch type imaginable—his sinker (40.7%), cutter (19.7%), curveball (13.7%), and others largely define his pitching repertoire.

Performance Metrics

In terms of performance metrics, Bassitt led the Jays in Quality Starts in 2023 with 21, but saw that number decline to 12 last year. Projections from Steamer anticipate a season of 10-11 wins, with a respectable 4.10 ERA across 31 starts and 179 innings.

Conclusion

As Toronto fans gear up for another exciting season, the question remains: can Chris Bassitt defy the odds and deliver another stellar performance before his contract concludes? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—his journey on the mound continues to intrigue and entertain!