The Philadelphia Phillies have been encouraged to consider a rotation upgrade this offseason, with veteran right-hander Chris Bassitt standing out as a free-agent candidate who could provide steady support to a pitching staff dealing with growing uncertainty. Bassitt, who spent the past two seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, contributed both as a starter and a postseason bullpen arm, enhancing his value as a versatile, experienced pitcher with World Series pedigree.
On the episode of the Locked on Phillies podcast, host Connor Thomas highlighted Bassitt as an early offseason favorite, praising his adaptability and veteran presence. While nearing 37 and not a long-term answer, Bassitt’s consistent ability to retire big-league hitters—evidenced by a .696 career opponents’ OPS across 11 seasons—keeps him firmly in the conversation as a reliable short-term option.
Bassitt Expected to Be an Economical Addition
Though the Blue Jays may be waiting out Bassitt’s free agency in hopes of bringing him back on a low-cost, short-term deal, the price tag for signing Bassitt could actually work in Philadelphia president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski’s favor if he plans to steal the 11-year veteran away from Toronto.
After Bassitt earned $63 million on his now-ended, three-year Blue Jays contract, the 36-year-old — who will turn 37 shortly after spring training opens — is widely expected to take a significant pay cut.
With the calendar now flipped to February, Bassitt remains unsigned. That market reality has fueled speculation that the Phillies could step in, with Thomas calling Bassitt “a really sound investment” and adding, “I’ve been on that idea for a while, and I’d like to be right about it.”
Phillies Rotation a Question Mark
The Phillies’ rotation has taken on a more precarious look this winter, making the addition of a veteran like Bassitt a logical move.
Opening-day ace Zack Wheeler is still recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery and expected to miss significant time, leaving Philadelphia thin at the top of the staff. The uncertainty surrounding Wheeler’s health — combined with a rotation that already lacked depth — has elevated the stakes on the free-agent market, where premium arms have been both scarce and expensive.
The Phillies can feel comfortable with Cristopher Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo, but beyond those two and until Wheeler — the Phillies’ highest-paid player on an annual basis at $42 million — returns, Philadelphia’s rotation looks iffy to say the least.
