I have conflicted feelings on these comments. A guy like Chris Bassitt would have made this roster better on paper. That's not really something disputed. I think there is an argument if you think that Bryce Elder and/or Joey Wentz are 1-1.5 fWAR/162 starting pitchers, then adding a 2-2.5 fWAR/162 starter for just under $20 million isn't good return on investment and doesn't substantially improve depth when it results on the likely loss of a guy like Elder from the roster entirely.
The Mets had the right idea in making Max Scherzer the highest-salaried pitcher of his generation three years ago. It was easy to envision Scherzer as a co-ace to Jacob deGrom fronting a championship rotation. But the problem with that $130 million contract was the execution. Rather than being the final Cooperstown-worthy piece for a title run, Scherzer's Flushing legacy ultimately is one of failure.
The Toronto Blue Jays may be without the services of Chris Bassitt until the end of the regular season. The 36-year-old right hander was placed on the 15-day IL on Saturday afternoon due to back inflammation, ahead of Toronto's game against the Kansas City Royals. Bassitt, who is an impending free agent, had removed himself from his start on September 12 when he pitched five innings of two-hit ball against the Baltimore Orioles in Toronto.
