Bassitt Blames Blue Jays for Season
- Chris Bassitt points to Blue Jays' pursuit of Shohei Ohtani as a factor in their failed season.
- He suggests that the focus on Ohtani negatively impacted the team's performance.
- The pursuit of Ohtani may have distracted the Blue Jays from their overall season goals.
In a recent interview on “The Chris Rose Rotation,” Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt shared insights into the challenges the team has faced this season. He highlighted a significant issue stemming from the team's heavy investment in acquiring superstar Shohei Ohtani, which ultimately did not materialize. Bassitt noted that the Blue Jays allocated $700 million in pursuit of Ohtani but lacked a backup plan to secure another elite player, which he believes has hindered the team's performance. Bassitt emphasized the necessity of having multiple superstars on a successful baseball team, stating that modern baseball requires three or four standout players to compete effectively. He pointed out that teams with only one or two star hitters struggle to maintain success, regardless of the individual talent. This perspective reflects a broader trend in the sport, where depth and star power are increasingly crucial for achieving victory. As the Blue Jays sit at the bottom of the American League East standings, Bassitt underscored the need for improved hitting to support star player Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He also called for enhancements in the pitching department, indicating that both aspects are vital for the team's turnaround. While he acknowledged the multitude of issues plaguing the organization, Bassitt refrained from publicly detailing them, suggesting that such discussions may not serve the team's best interests.