The Blue Jays Have a Surprise New Go-To Reliever

[Bryan Jaeger]

Chris Bassitt has had an up-and-down season. After producing a 2.62 ERA through April, he struggled to a 5.25 ERA in May and June. From July onward, he posted a 3.55 ERA in 76 innings. However, his momentum was halted on September 20, when a lower back injury placed him on the 15-day IL, causing him to miss the end of the regular season and the ALDS.

Upon returning for the ALCS, Bassitt shifted into a relief role, in which he has excelled. He delivered 2 2/3 scoreless, hitless innings against the Mariners and has since become a go-to reliever in the World Series, throwing four scoreless innings across three games against the Dodgers, with just one hit allowed and six strikeouts. His performance is all the more impressive considering he is reportedly pitching through a minor "cut/blister" (per Sportnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith).

Not only has Bassitt seen great results, but his velocity has also notably increased. While he averaged around 91.5 mph on both his four-seam fastball and sinker during the regular season, he has averaged around 93 mph on both pitches in the playoffs. It was especially remarkable to see him largely maintain his velocity in Game 4 — the first time in his career he has pitched two days in a row.

Bassitt's unexpected dominance out of the bullpen, despite limited prior experience in relief, positions him as a postseason revelation. This performance should also boost his appeal as a free agent, showing teams his versatility and resilience in high-pressure spots. He will be a popular name this offseason for any pitching-needy teams and will likely earn a sizeable contract despite turning 37 before spring training.

Bassitt has made his mark this postseason and looks set to be a key relief option for the remainder of the series. As manager John Schneider considers his bullpen plan for the two or three remaining games, Louis Varland — who led the team in appearances in the ALDS and the ALCS, throwing 11 innings across the two series — may now have competition, with Bassitt emerging as another arm for high-leverage situations.

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[FierceBlueJay]

I believe he was a successful reliever in college. Go figure. 

[Landry_25]

Hope we sign him 

[G-Snarls]

He's being what we wanted Yimi Garcia or Yariel Rodriguez to be right now.