As the Toronto Blue Jays waffle around .500 to begin the season, every game feels like it could help decide their fate at the trade deadline.
Wednesday night was a step in the right direction. The Blue Jays erased a 6-0 deficit to beat the division rival Boston Red Sox on a walk-off single from Alejandro Kirk. Still, Toronto sits at 14-16, tied for third place in the American League East.
The Blue Jays don't want to sell at the deadline. They did so last year, and having to admit defeat two years in a row would put a real damper on the idea that they're set up with future success with a core built around superstar first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
However, if the Blue Jays are left with no choice but to sell, they have some major pieces to move. And it starts with an impending free agent starting pitcher whose season is off to a great start.
On Wednesday, MLB Network's Greg Amsinger named Blue Jays veteran and former All-Star Chris Bassitt as the prospective number-four "trade chip" at the Jul. 31 deadline this season.
"I don't think the Blue Jays are going to the World Series," Amsinger said. "I don't see them as a playoff team. Chris Bassitt's got to go."
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"He's in a walk year. 10.2 K per nine. His ERA is sparkling. You could get a haul for this right-hander. He's been around the league for a while. He's kind of funky with his mechanics. I like Chris Bassitt here."
Bassitt, 36, is on a three-year, $63 million deal with the Blue Jays. He's got a 2.62 ERA through six starts, striking out 39 batters and walking only seven through his first 34 1/3 innings of the year.
Lots of teams would love to have Bassitt if he's pitching like this. Toronto would much rather stay in contention than give him up, but getting a prospect haul for a player at his age would be a nice consolation prize.
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