Yankees Predicted to Sign Blue Jays Starter in Free Agency
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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.
Spencer Rattler Breaks Silence: “NFL Doesn’t Care About Your Pain — You Have to Play Anyway”
In an emotional revelation that’s shaking the NFL to its core, Spencer Rattler of the
Rattler, who briefly played alongside Kneeland during his time with the New Orleans Saints, called the loss of his former teammate “devastating” and a stark reminder of the unspoken pressure NFL players face. But it wasn’t just about the grief — it was about the expectation to perform no matter what:
"Everyone thinks the NFL is just about football. But the truth is, they don’t care what you're feeling. They just expect you to show up and play. We’re told to shut off our emotions, but that’s not realistic. I feel like we’re not allowed to grieve the loss of a brother because we have to get ready for a game. That’s the cold reality of this league."
A Wake-Up Call to Fans: "We're Not Machines"
Rattler’s shocking admission sheds light on the emotional toll that NFL players endure, often sacrificing their own mental well-being for the sake of the game. As the
"We’ve got to put our feelings aside for the fans, for our coaches, and for our teammates. But losing someone like Marshawn—it’s like losing a brother. It’s not just a game. People don’t understand how much time we spend with each other, and now I have to focus on beating the Packers while mourning my friend. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do."
A Brotherhood in Crisis?
As the NFL grapples with the tragic loss of Kneeland, Rattler’s powerful words are raising serious questions about the emotional cost of playing professional football.
Is the NFL a family, or is it a brutal machine that demands players sacrifice everything — including their emotions — for the game? The death of Kneeland is only the latest in a long line of heart-wrenching moments that show just how much players endure off the field.
