Pitchers and catchers report to spring training for the Toronto Blue Jays on February 13. Right-hander Max Scherzer will enter his 18th major league season with his seventh different team, reuniting in Toronto with a familiar face—Chris Bassitt. The two veteran right-handers were key members of the 101-win New York Mets’ rotation, forming a strong bond during Bassitt’s lone season in Queens. Bassitt shared his thoughts on the Blue Jays’ season outlook and the team’s exciting offseason moves during an appearance on OverDrive on TSN 1050.
The veteran pitcher discussed how the club is shaping up for the year ahead, the impact of key additions, and even weighed in on Scherzer.
Chris Bassitt’s Take on the Blue Jays’ Offseason Moves
Bassitt emphasized the immense value that Scherzer brings to the Blue Jays, both on and off the field. “Massive,” Bassitt said. “He’s been there, he’s done that. He’s a world champion, he’s a Hall of Famer—very, very soon. I think bringing in a guy of his caliber can only help.”
He highlighted how Scherzer’s presence will push players to continue learning and evolving. “Baseball is one of those things where if you stop learning, then you’re kinda falling behind. The biggest thing is bringing those guys in to continue to push you and help you understand the game even more,” Bassitt explained.
Reflecting on his own experience with Scherzer in New York, he admitted, “I understood a lot about baseball, and when I got around him in Queens, I felt like I was a rookie again.” Now in Toronto, Bassitt believes Scherzer’s influence will extend beyond the pitching staff, benefiting the entire clubhouse.
Bassitt Acknowledged the Lingering Frustrations of Last Season
Beyond the excitement of new additions, Bassitt acknowledged the lingering frustration from last season. “There were a lot of pissed off people last year,” he admitted. “The reality was, it wasn’t so much being mad at each other—it was more so being mad at the situation. We fully expected to compete, and we fell short of that.” However, Bassitt believes that disappointment has now shifted into motivation. “The reality of it all is that I think it’s more so excitement—just getting back to what we should be.”
Bassitt’s Comparison of the Roster
When comparing the Blue Jays’ current roster to the one that took the field in their final game last season, Bassitt didn’t hesitate to highlight the improvements. “A lot better. It’s kind of night and day,” he said. He specifically pointed to the addition of Anthony Santander as a key upgrade. “Santander is a massive upgrade for what we need and what we were dealing with.”
Beyond bolstering the lineup, Bassitt also praised the front office for strengthening the bullpen and adding Scherzer, moves he believes will make a significant impact.
Bassitt’s Thoughts on Pitching With a Strong Defense
For Bassitt and the Blue Jays’ pitching staff, having elite defenders like Andrés Giménez and Daulton Varsho makes the game even more enjoyable. Bassitt spoke about how excited he is to have Andres Gimenez behind now as a groundball pitcher. “I don’t think this is a stretch at all… I think we have the two best defenders in [Daulton] Varsho and Giménez.”
With a strong defense behind them, pitchers can trust their fielders and focus on attacking hitters. “It makes pitching a lot more fun when you know you can just do your thing and let the defense work,” Bassitt said. The added confidence in the team’s defensive ability allows pitchers to be more aggressive, knowing they have elite gloves backing them up.
Main Photo: © Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
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