Blue Jays: Keep an eye on Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer

The Blue Jays returned to Dunedin this morning. At least, the pitchers and catchers did.

So we could see at a glance that the chances of seeing a long-haired starting pitcher start a game for the Blue Jays are relatively high in 2026. #Ponce #Gausman #Cease

Pitchers and catchers reporting for duty pic.twitter.com/DmqIbBbRRZ

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 11, 2026

But anyway. Aside from the hair, what stands out most is the fact that injuries are changing the game. Bowden Francis will be out for the year and Shane Bieber will start the season on the injured list.

Kevin Gausman (we don't know yet if he'll be pitching the first game of the season), Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, Cody Ponce, Jose Berrios, and Eric Lauer are currently the options in the rotation.

Add to that prospects who aren't necessarily ready to make the jump and Yariel Rodriguez, who is more of a reliever and was removed from the 40-man roster this winter, and it's clear that losing two starters early on affects a club's depth.

It's not a disaster, but it's still significant. On this subject, Mitch Bannon (The Athletic) wrote in an article that , according to what he has heard, the Toronto club is involved in the market for a starting pitcher.

From #BlueJays ST Day 1:
– Who can step up after Santander/Bieber injury news
– Scherzer/Bassitt reunion?
– Cease adding pitches and hobbies
– Okamoto visaupdatehttps://t.co/pVMSAE1Si2

— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) February 11, 2026

Zac Gallen, Zack Littell, and Lucas Giolito are names that have been mentioned, but the reporter points out that Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt, two pitchers who were in Toronto in 2025 and are still available, are worth keeping an eye on.

He also mentioned this on the heels of the first episode of his new podcast, Blue Bird Territory.

Are Chris Bassitt or Max Scherzer now in serious play for the Blue Jays? pic.twitter.com/SWazBhy22A

— Blue Bird Territory (@Blue_Bird_Show) February 11, 2026

With inning restrictions for Yesavage and uncertainty surrounding everyone other than Cease and Gausman, adding a starting pitcher would bring depth.

Bannon points out that Scherzer is familiar with the Blue Jays and that the club wouldn't need him for 30 starts per season. The reporter sounds like a guy who knows something.

I don't know how open Bassitt, whose name is being mentioned more, would be to a “hybrid” role in Toronto (starter and reliever, as in the playoffs) in 2026, but it couldn't hurt to have a player like that in town.

Yes, the Blue Jays' wave of injuries has changed the situation a bit. And even though there's no rush, a club that takes the initiative instead of waiting to be in trouble always pays less per pound.

• Nick Castellanos: a change of address is imminent. He has been told not to report to Phillies camp.

The Phillies told Nick Castellanos not to report to Spring Training, per @MattGelb

It was reported earlier this offseason that Philadelphia is expected to trade or release Castellanos before Opening Day pic.twitter.com/FMbNqLdYrD

— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 11, 2026

• Barry Bonds on Netflix for the season opener?

NEWS: Netflix pursuing Barry Bonds for Opening Day between the Giants and Yankees, The Athletic has learned.https://t.co/77mOtqNt1z

— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) February 11, 2026

• Gary Sanchez to Milwaukee.

• Jazz Chisholm Jr. is motivated.

This content was created with the help of AI.