2025 Season Context

As the Toronto Blue Jays navigate a challenging 2025 season, currently sitting third in the AL East with a 26-28 record and just one game back of a wild card spot, veteran right-hander Chris Bassitt has emerged as baseball's most intriguing trade candidate. With the MLB Trade Deadline set for July 31, multiple contenders are lining up for the 36-year-old starter who could command premium prospects in return.

Resurgent Performance and Contract Status

Bassitt enters the final season of his three-year, $63 million contract showing renewed form. After struggling early in 2024 (5.03 ERA through nine starts), the crafty right-hander rediscovered his Cy Young-caliber command down the stretch, posting a 2.93 ERA over his final 12 appearances. His 2025 numbers (3.81 ERA, 1.28 WHIP through mid-May) reflect consistent reliability rather than dominance, but teams value his proven durability - 31 starts in each of the last three seasons - and postseason experience.

Contract Details

• Final year: $22 million salary
• No remaining contract obligations after 2025
• Full no-trade clause (requires approval for deals)

Trade Market Dynamics

The Blue Jays front office faces a franchise-defining decision. With their farm system ranked 22nd by MLB Pipeline, GM Ross Atkins must choose between making a playoff push or leveraging Bassitt's value to accelerate the rebuild. Multiple contenders see Bassitt as an ideal mid-rotation upgrade:

Top Suitors

Baltimore Orioles: Seeking veteran Stability after losing Jack Flaherty to Free Agency, Baltimore's prospect-rich system could offer immediate help.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Always hunting rotation depth, LA possesses MLB-ready talent that matches Toronto's needs.

Potential Trade Returns

Industry analysts predict a return similar to Tampa Bay's 2024 Zach Eflin trade (three top-100 prospects). For Bassitt, Toronto could demand:

• A top-50 pitching prospect (e.g., Baltimore's Grayson Rodriguez)
• High-ceiling positional player
• MLB-ready bullpen arm or defensive specialist

Strategic Considerations

While Toronto remains within striking distance of postseason contention, Bassitt's combination of recent performance and expiring contract creates unique leverage. Contenders face intense pressure to acquire proven starters, and the Blue Jays' history of deadline deals (eight top-30 prospects acquired in 2024) suggests they'll prioritize future assets over short-term gains.

Conclusion

Chris Bassitt represents the perfect trade deadline asset - effective enough to impact a playoff race, affordable enough for most contenders, and valuable enough to justify moving a veteran leader. As July 31 approaches, all eyes will be on Toronto's front office to convert this pitching resurgence into franchise-altering talent.