"We put $700 million into Shohei Ohtani's basket and didn't get him" - Chris Bassitt on Blue Jays' struggles and season woes
The 2024 campaign has not gone the way that the Toronto Blue Jays and their fans had hoped for. After an early postseason exit in 2023, many believed that the team would take a step forward this year, however, it has been the complete opposite with the team sitting outside of playoff contention.
There are a number of reasons why the Toronto Blue Jays have struggled this season, however pitcher Chris Bassitt gave an interesting insight into why he believes the team has failed to live up to expectations.
In an interview with Chris Rose Sports, the veteran pitcher put some of the blame on the team's pursuit of Shohei Ohtani. Toronto was allegedly one of the final contenders to sign Ohtani in free agency, even though the Los Angeles Dodgers always seemed like his final destination. Ultimately, Ohtani joined the Dodgers and the Jays were left hanging.
"We put I think $700 million into Shohei Ohtani's basket and didn't get him. We really didn't have a pivot," Bassitt said of the team's offseason strategy.
Bassitt may have a point as the Toronto Blue Jays had a relatively quiet offseason despite being linked to nearly every star free agent. The only notable moves that the team made were the signings of Justin Turner, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Yariel Rodriguez. Both Kiner-Falefa and Turner were moved at the trade deadline.
Toronto Blue Jays have their eyes set on contending in 2025
Despite the team failing to meet expectations and trading away some of its veterans at the deadline, Toronto decided to not blow up the roster. There were rumors about stars such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and even Chris Bassitt himself potentially being on the move, however, the franchise ultimately decided to hold on for next season.
"'Blue Jays plan to win in '25 per Mark Shapiro: “We believe there's enough talent in place to build a contending championship caliber team next yr. Had we not, we would have made a different set of decisions (at the deadline)' Per Shapiro: lots of work to do, but intent is there," @bnicholsonsmith
Toronto Blue Jays President and CEO Mark Shapiro has repeatedly said that the decision to not move on from some of the team's true stars is so that they can contend in 2025.
Shapiro explained that he believes that the team has the talent to compete next year, which is why it held on to its best players. It remains to be seen if next season will be a success or another disappointment.