The Athletics are targeting veterans on short-term deals this winter, and Chris Bassitt makes sense as a reunion candidate. General manager David Forst outlined the approach at Tyler Soderstrom’s extension announcement, emphasizing the team’s preference for shorter commitments before their Las Vegas move.
Bassitt spent six seasons in Oakland from 2016-21 and knows the organization well. The 36-year-old right-hander just wrapped up a solid campaign with Toronto, posting a 108 ERA+ while limiting opponents to a 36.6% hard-hit rate.
What makes Bassitt appealing isn’t his stuff – it’s his durability.
He’s made 30-plus starts in each of the last four seasons, splitting time between the Mets and Blue Jays. That’s valuable for a rotation that needs innings.
“A league average ERA for a starter last year was 4.21, so he was a bit better than league average, but his real value is in those innings,” Jason Burke of Sports Illustrated wrote.
Burke knows what A’s fans remember about Bassitt’s approach:
“He may not have his best stuff every outing, but he’s going to scratch and claw his way through as many innings as he can each time he takes the ball. That comes in handy over the course of a full season, and helps save the bullpen.”
The timing works for both sides. Bassitt’s age suggests he’s looking at one or two-year deals, which aligns perfectly with Oakland’s strategy. He’d provide veteran leadership and reliable innings while the A’s develop their younger arms.
It’s not the most exciting move, but sometimes familiarity breeds success. Bassitt knows the organization, and they know exactly what they’d be getting – a pitcher who’ll take the ball every fifth day and give you a chance to win.
