Top 3 Destinations for Free Agent Chris Bassitt

For a team looking for a dependable middle-of-the-rotation arm that they can bank on, it doesn't get much more dependable and reliable than Chris Bassitt.

The former Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets and Oakland A's starter has been as plug-and-play as you can get over the past seven seasons. He had four straight years with over 30 starts, 170+ innings, and an ERA almost always below 4.00.

Bassitt, 37 next month, hasn't been slowed much by Father Time. He's still an innings-eater, a real competitor and a 'gamer', willing to do whatever it takes for his team. We saw that as recently as a few months ago, when he moved to the bullpen for the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2025 postseason. And by the way, he performed spectacularly, with a 1.04 ERA in 8.2 innings, and a 10:2 strikeout to walk ratio.

In his 11-year career in the majors, Bassitt has a 3.64 ERA.

So which teams are the best destinations for the veteran?

According to Jim Bowden in The Athletic, there are three clubs that stand out as his best fits:

San Diego Padres
Baltimore Orioles
Detroit Tigers

The Orioles are still looking for more starting depth for their rotation (though a true No. 1 should be their real priority). Bassitt could add length to a rotation that currently includes Trevor Rogers, Kyle Braddish, Shane Baz, Dean Kremer and Zach Eflin.

The Padres are looking for pitching help, after losing Dylan Cease in free agency, and Yu Darvish is missing the upcoming season after undergoing UCL repair surgery, and is even contemplating retirement.

As a contending team looking for back-end rotation depth, the Tigers are an ideal destination for Bassitt, as well.

But Bowden also considers rebuilding teams like the Athletics, Miami Marlins and LA Angels as possible landing spots, as Bassitt would give those clubs an asset to peddle come the trade deadline.