The New York Yankees need to make some roster changes this offseason after a disappointing postseason exit against the Toronto Blue Jays
The Yankees had arguably the most potent offense in baseball this season, recording league highs with 274 home runs and 849 runs scored. Though the Yankees’ offense was great this season, the team’s pitching staff could use some improvement, especially after allowing a 5.61 ERA in the playoffs this season.
Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter predicted that the Yankees will poach former 36-year-old Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt in free agency this offseason.
“With Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt all expected to start the year on the injured list, the Yankees will be in the market to add a starter, though a stopgap veteran on a short-term deal makes the most since considering Cole and Rodón are both expected back early in the season,” Reuter wrote Friday.
“Chris Bassitt has pitched in New York before, he threw the ball well in a swingman role during the Blue Jays’ run to the World Series, and at 36 years old, his market will likely be limited to short-term offers.”
At 36, Bassitt likely won’t receive another long-term contract, with Spotrac projecting him to sign a two-year contract worth roughly $31 million. Bassitt is a former All-Star, and despite his age, was a solid contributor on a World Series team this season. New York could use a boost to its starting rotation with multiple pitchers set to start the year on the injured list, and Bassitt presents a perfect short-term player to target.
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