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Could the Cubs end up signing Chris Bassitt?

The Chicago Cubs will be looking to continue trending in the right direction in 2026. The Cubs undoubtedly took a good step forward during the 2025 season, as they finished the campaign with a 92-70 record and second in the National League Central. With this, they also got back into the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

The Cubs also saw some success during the playoffs, as they knocked out the San Diego Padres in the MLB Wild Card Round. However, they then lost to the Milwaukee Brewers in a hard-fought NLDS series that went five games.

After getting back into the playoffs in 2025, the Cubs are naturally looking to continue to improve their roster. They have made a handful of additions this offseason, with Edward Cabrera being the most notable. They have also added a few more new players, like Hunter Harvey, Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, and Tyler Austin.

Yet, when noting that the Cubs want to continue to get better, they should not be done making moves yet. Adding another impactful starting pitcher should be on their to-do list, and they are now being linked to one of the top remaining free agents because of it.

Cubs Linked to Blue Jays Free Agent Chris Bassitt

In a recent article for Sports Illustrated, Will Laws and Nick Selbe ranked the top 15 free agents available. With Bassitt being one of the top free-agent starting pitchers still available, he understandably made the cut, landing the No. 14 spot.

“Bassitt is the metronome of this year’s class of pitchers. He’s made at least 30 starts in each of the last four years, with a 3.77 ERA and a strikeout rate that’s never wavered from 22%. At his age and declining velocity, though, he’s at best a depth piece for teams who need an extra reliable arm to help cover innings and get them to the postseason, not necessarily somebody you’d feel comfortable starting in a playoff game. That’s still a valuable profile, though, and even entering his age-37 season, Bassitt could command a multi-year deal,” Laws and Selbe wrote.

Laws and Selbe then predicted that the Cubs would end up being the lucky team that signs Bassitt this offseason.

With the Cubs’ rotation needing a boost, it would make a lot of sense for them to sign a solid veteran starter like Bassitt. He would fit nicely in the second half of their rotation and would also give them a bit more experience. This would not be a bad thing for a Cubs club looking to cement themselves as top contenders.

Cubs Should Have Competition for Bassitt

While Bassitt would have the potential to be a good fit on the Cubs, the same can be said about multiple other clubs. This is because the 36-year-old is a proven starter who is capable of making an impact when performing at his best. One specific club that has been linked to the veteran pitcher is the Detroit Tigers.

In 32 games this past season with the Blue Jays, Bassitt had an 11-9 record, a 3.96 ERA, and 166 strikeouts. The former All-Star has also had an ERA under 4.00 in four out of his last five seasons, which adds to his appeal.

Michael DeRosa Michael covers the NHL for Heavy.com. He has professionally covered the NHL since 2017 and has written for other publications like The Hockey News, BetMGM, Athlon Sports, and The Hockey Writers. More about Michael DeRosa