Major League (MLB) Toronto Blue Jays strengthened their starting lineup by recruiting ’15-win pitcher’ Chris Bassett. When Ryu Hyun-jin, who is recovering from elbow surgery, returns in the second half of next season, the Toronto starting lineup is expected to become more solid.
Local media such as Sportsnet and ESPN reported on the 13th (Korean time) that Toronto had signed a contract with Bassett for a three-year, total value of $63 million. With this, Toronto succeeded in reinforcing starting pitchers, which was the biggest task of the Stove League this time.
MLB.com said, “Bassett is a steady and reliable veteran pitcher and will be a great help to Toronto’s starting rotation.” did.
Toronto, which recorded 92 wins and 70 losses in the regular league this year, finished second in the Eastern Division of the American League following the New York Yankees (99 wins and 63 losses), advancing to the postseason for the first time in 안전놀이터 two years. However, in the wild card series, he was defeated by the Seattle Mariners twice, and his dream of winning was thwarted.
Toronto has many talented players, but the depth of the starting lineup was too thin, with Hyun-jin Ryu ending the season early after undergoing surgery to sprain ligaments in his elbow in June. Toronto’s starting ERA was 3.98, ranking 18th out of 30 teams.
Now, with Bassett adding, Toronto made a 1st to 4th starter that other clubs did not envy. Alec Manoa and Kevin Gausman are active as one-two punches, and Bassett and Jose Berrios are the third and fourth starters, respectively.
Manoa, who was mentioned as a candidate for the American League Cy Young Award this year, recorded 16-7 with an ERA of 2.27 and 180 strikeouts.
Berrios was disappointed with his ups and downs, but he posted a double-digit victory (12-7) anyway and is the owner of the advantage of being able to take responsibility for long innings. Transfer student Bassett performed outstandingly with the New York Mets this year with 15 wins and 9 losses, an average ERA of 3.42 and 167 strikeouts.
MLB.com said, “Toronto has built a starting lineup that can throw many innings. All four starting pitchers can be responsible for more than 170 innings if there are no variables such as injuries. In recent baseball, a healthy rotation is a big advantage.”
Toronto has plenty of other starting resources, such as Yusei Kikuchi, Mitch White, and Nate Pearson, but the 5th pick is relatively weak compared to the 1st to 4th picks. Sportsnet expressed concern, saying, “Toronto has uncertainty about the 5th selection.”
Ryu Hyun-jin is one of the candidates to solve the problem. In the case of elbow ligament joint surgery, it takes about a year to recover, so it seems difficult for Ryu Hyun-jin to return within the first half of next year. However, he can expect a healthy appearance in the second half.
Ryu Hyun-jin, who signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Toronto after the end of the 2019 season, went 263 innings in 49 games over three seasons, recording 21 wins and 12 losses and an average ERA of 4.07.
Although it has stagnated in the aftermath of an injury this year, if Ryu Hyun-jin, a proven starting pitcher in the major leagues, returns, Toronto will gain wings. In particular, Ryu Hyun-jin’s motivation is stronger as he plays the final season of his long-term contract next year. Ryu Hyun-jin, who returned to Korea with his family last month, is focusing on rehabilitation for his next season.