Blue Jays and Mets Agree to a Deal to Trade Chris Bassitt

New York Mets Trade Chris Bassitt to Toronto Blue Jays

The New York Mets agreed to deal right-handed pitcher Chris Bassitt to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for a package of prospects. The Blue Jays will receive Bassitt, a 34-year-old starter who went 15-9 with a 3.42 ERA in 30 starts for the Mets last season. In return, the Mets will receive outfielder Kevin Smith, right-handed pitcher Adrian Hernandez, and a player to be named later.

Bassitt's Success with the New York Mets

Bassitt was a key member of the Mets' rotation last season, helping them win 101 games and reach the National League East title. He pitched 181.2 innings with 167 strikeouts and a 1.10 WHIP. Bassitt also started Game 2 of the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres, allowing two runs on four hits in 4.1 innings.

Blue Jays Bolster Their Rotation

The Blue Jays are hoping that Bassitt can help solidify their rotation, which struggled at times last season. Bassitt is a durable and reliable starter who has pitched at least 180 innings in each of the past three seasons. He will join a rotation that includes Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, Hyun Jin Ryu, and Yimi Garcia.

Mets Receive Promising Prospects

In return for Bassitt, the Mets received a package of three prospects headlined by Kevin Smith. Smith, a 23-year-old outfielder, was ranked as the Blue Jays' No. 2 prospect by MLB Pipeline. He hit .284 with 18 home runs and 64 RBIs in 109 games at Double-A last season. Hernandez, a 21-year-old right-handed pitcher, was ranked as the Blue Jays' No. 11 prospect by MLB Pipeline. He went 6-3 with a 3.57 ERA in 17 starts at Single-A last season.

Outlook for Bassitt and the Blue Jays

Bassitt is expected to slot into the Blue Jays' rotation as their No. 3 starter behind Gausman and Berrios. He will be counted on to provide innings and stability to a rotation that has a lot of potential but also some question marks.

The Blue Jays are hoping that Bassitt can help them take the next step and contend for a World Series title. They have a talented roster led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and George Springer, but they need their pitching staff to step up. Bassitt is a proven winner who can help the Blue Jays reach their goals.