Report: Veteran Pitcher Breaks Down Blue Jays Season Hopes with Key Roster Moves
The Toronto Blue Jays’ pitchers and catchers are set to report for spring training on February 13. Veteran right-hander Max Scherzer, now entering his 18th MLB season with his seventh team, will reunite in Toronto with Chris Bassitt. The two previously formed a strong connection as key pieces of the 101-win New York Mets’ rotation during Bassitt’s lone season in Queens.
Bassitt recently appeared on OverDrive on TSN 1050, where he shared his perspective on the Blue Jays’ upcoming season, the team’s notable offseason moves, and his thoughts on Scherzer’s arrival.
Chris Bassitt’s Take on the Blue Jays’ Offseason Moves
Bassitt stressed the tremendous impact Scherzer will have on the Blue Jays, both on and off the field. “Huge,” Bassitt said. “He’s been there, he’s done it all. He’s a world champion and a future Hall of Famer—very soon. Adding a player of his caliber can only be beneficial.”
He pointed out that Scherzer’s presence will encourage continuous growth among players. “Baseball is a game where if you stop learning, you start falling behind. The key is having guys like him around to push you and deepen your understanding of the game,” Bassitt explained.
Recalling his time with Scherzer in New York, he admitted, “I thought I knew a lot about baseball, but when I was around him in Queens, I felt like a rookie again.” Now in Toronto, Bassitt believes Scherzer’s leadership will influence not just the pitching staff but the entire clubhouse.
Bassitt Acknowledged the Lingering Frustrations of Last Season
While there’s excitement about the new additions, Bassitt also recognized the lingering frustration from last season. “A lot of people were frustrated last year,” he admitted. “It wasn’t about being upset with each other—it was more about being frustrated with the situation. We fully expected to compete, but we fell short.” However, he believes that disappointment has now turned into motivation. “At this point, it feels more like excitement—getting back to the level we know we’re capable of.”
Bassitt’s Comparison of the Roster
Comparing the Blue Jays’ current roster to last season’s final lineup, Bassitt didn’t hesitate to emphasize the upgrades. “Much better. It’s like night and day,” he said. He specifically highlighted Anthony Santander as a key addition. “Santander is a huge upgrade for what we needed and what we were missing.”
In addition to improving the lineup, Bassitt also credited the front office for reinforcing the bullpen and bringing in Scherzer, moves he believes will have a major 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. As a groundball pitcher, Bassitt is especially excited to have Giménez behind him. “I don’t think this is an exaggeration… I believe we have the two best defenders in [Daulton] Varsho and Giménez.”
With a strong defense supporting them, pitchers can focus on attacking hitters with confidence. “Pitching is a lot more fun when you can just do your thing and trust the defense to make plays,” Bassitt said. Knowing they have elite fielders behind them allows pitchers to be more aggressive on the mound.