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The New York Yankees are expected to make another significant addition to their starting rotation this winter—and it could come from a division rival. With both Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón recovering from elbow injuries and projected to miss the start of the 2026 season, New York’s need for reliable starting pitching has become one of the offseason’s main priorities.
According to MLB Trade Rumors’ annual top 50 free-agent predictions, one of their panelists, Steve Adams, projects the Yankees to sign veteran Chris Bassitt from the Toronto Blue Jays to a two-year, $38 million contract.
Bassitt, 36, has quietly built one of the most consistent résumés among mid-rotation starters in recent years. Since signing a three-year, $63 million deal with Toronto in 2023, he has started at least 30 games and thrown over 170 innings in each season while maintaining a steady ERA between 3.60 and 4.16.
In 2025, Bassitt posted a 3.96 ERA across 170 1/3 innings, striking out 22.6% of opposing hitters while keeping walks to a modest 7.1%. He missed only brief time late in the season due to back inflammation, but otherwise avoided the injured list throughout his Blue Jays tenure—a level of durability that the Yankees sorely need.
His reliability could be particularly valuable for a rotation that currently projects to feature Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil, and Will Warren to open next season. Unlike younger or higher-upside arms, Bassitt offers a stabilizing presence capable of delivering quality innings every fifth day.
Postseason Success and Veteran Savvy
While Bassitt didn’t start a postseason game during the Blue Jays’ World Series run, his dominant bullpen performances earned him rave reviews. In seven appearances between the ALCS and World Series, he logged a 1.04 ERA, striking out 10 batters while allowing only three hits and one walk in 8 2/3 innings.
That kind of composure under pressure is exactly the quality the Yankees have sought in veteran arms since their October struggles began. Having pitched in New York before with the Mets in 2022, Bassitt also brings familiarity with the city’s spotlight—a factor that often challenges newcomers to the Bronx.
Known for relying on pitch sequencing and movement rather than velocity, Bassitt has maintained effectiveness despite a fastball that now sits around 91–92 mph. His deep repertoire, which includes eight distinct pitches, helps him navigate lineups multiple times without relying on pure power—an approach that should age gracefully.
A Smart, Sustainable Move
While the Yankees have been linked to bigger names like Tarik Skubal and Corbin Burnes, signing Bassitt would represent a more measured, financially responsible move that improves their depth without mortgaging future flexibility. His experience and consistency could serve as an ideal bridge until Cole and Rodón return, while also providing a veteran presence alongside younger pitchers as they develop into full-time starters.
At 37 this February, Bassitt isn’t a long-term solution, but his track record of health, poise, and adaptability make him one of the safer bets in this year’s free-agent class. Toronto may still attempt to re-sign him, but with the Yankees’ clear rotation void and willingness to pay for stability, Adams’ prediction feels both logical and realistic.
If the deal comes to fruition, Bassitt would become the latest player to cross enemy lines in the AL East—and potentially the piece that helps keep the Yankees afloat while they wait for their aces to heal.
Alvin Garcia Born in Puerto Rico, Alvin Garcia is a sports writer for Heavy.com who focuses on MLB. His work has appeared on FanSided, LWOS, NewsBreak, Athlon Sports, and Yardbarker, covering mostly MLB. More about Alvin Garcia
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