The Toronto Blue Jays built their 2026 rotation with depth in mind.
Feb 18, 2026; Sarasota, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) poses for media day. | Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
But just days before Opening Day, that depth is already being tested—and one offseason departure is standing out more than expected.
Chris Bassitt is no longer in Toronto. And right now, the Blue Jays could use him.
A year ago, Bassitt was one of three pitchers who carried the workload during the team’s deep postseason run. Alongside Kevin Gausman and José Berríos, he helped anchor a rotation that pushed Toronto to the brink of a championship.
Blue Jays Trey Yesavage (39) celebrates after a double play during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game five of the 2025 MLB World Series | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Now, only one of those arms is ready to begin the season.
Gausman remains the steady presence at the top. But Berríos is sidelined with a stress fracture in his elbow, and rising star Trey Yesavage will also start the year on the injured list due to a shoulder issue. Suddenly, what once looked like a strength is becoming a question mark.
And that’s where Bassitt’s absence becomes harder to ignore.
The veteran right-hander provided more than just innings in 2025—he provided reliability. He made 31 starts, finished among the team leaders in wins, and consistently gave Toronto a chance to compete every fifth day.
Even more telling was his role in October.
When the Blue Jays needed help in the bullpen, Bassitt adapted. He shifted into a relief role during the postseason and thrived, delivering high-leverage innings against elite competition. Over multiple appearances, he allowed minimal damage while striking out hitters at an impressive rate.
He became exactly what contenders need in October: dependable and flexible.
That kind of presence doesn’t show up easily.
Toronto did add pieces this offseason, bringing in names like Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to reinforce the rotation. On paper, those moves made sense—especially for a team planning for a long season.
But early injuries have changed the equation.
Without Berríos and Yesavage, and with no clear timeline for their returns, the Blue Jays are being forced to rely on that depth sooner than expected. It’s a situation Bassitt was built for—someone who could absorb innings, stabilize the staff, and adapt when needed.
Instead, he’s now pitching elsewhere in the division.
That doesn’t mean Toronto is in trouble—yet.
There are still capable arms in place, and the organization prepared for adversity better than most. But the margin for error is already shrinking, and the absence of a proven workhorse is becoming more noticeable by the day.
There is at least some cautious optimism.
Yesavage is expected to begin throwing in a minor league setting soon, signaling that his recovery is moving in the right direction. Still, his placement on the injured list confirms he won’t be ready immediately, leaving a gap that must be managed carefully.
For now, the Blue Jays will lean on what they have.
But as the season begins, one thing is becoming clear: the value of a durable, adaptable starter like Chris Bassitt is easiest to appreciate when he’s no longer there.
And Toronto may be feeling that reality sooner than anyone expected.
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