Blue Jays’ Starter Has Been a Dominant Force

This season, the Toronto Blue Jays ‘The Hound on the Mound’ Chris Bassitt, has been lights-out dominant in the starting rotation. It’s been inevitable that when he pitches, the Blue Jays’ chances of winning games are increased. He’s provided them several quality starts this season and has been their go-to starter to provide them with consistency. Bassitt has been the Blue Jays’ most reliable starter this season as the rest of the rotation has been shaky. Bassitt has held a 4-2 record and a 2.83 ERA with 61 strikeouts this season.

Guys like José Berríos have struggled this season, especially with giving up home runs. But this hasn’t been the case for Bassitt, who is known for being a reliable workhorse. Bassitt has recorded a solid walk rate (4.5%) this season, ranking in the 91st percentile. His walk rate has been reduced this season, indicating his ability to provide shutdown innings and not inherent extra runners on base. In addition, a chase rate of 31 % ranks in the 78th percentile. His fastball run value (5) has also been solid, ranking in the 90th percentile.

Blue Jays’ Starter Bassitt Continues to Impress

The Recipe of Success for Bassitt this Season

Bassitt’s colorful dominance this 2025 season can be linked to many factors. For starters, his revamped pitch selection as well as his confidence. One of his powerful weapons this season has been his cutter. In addition, his sinker continues to be a reliable pitch that he has turned to. Bassitt has demonstrated his ability to induce weak contact while also providing shutdown innings through decreased batted balls.

His enhanced execution has also been seen through his ability to throw inside to right-handed batters at a higher level. All in all, his control and command have added to his success. While Bassitt has been known for his ability to work through high-leverage situations and pitch deep into games in his career with the Blue Jays, he’s demonstrated an enhanced confidence and aggressive style. It has shown how he does everything he can to help the Blue Jays win games. His ability to keep batters off balance at the plate has also contributed to his reliability and dominance.

Blue Jays Need More Reliability from Rest of Rotation

Bassitt has also done a good job limiting the long ball and has only given up six home runs this season. This has been significant considering how the other starters in the rotation have run into trouble with this. Aside from Berrios, Bowden, and Francis have also struggled with 14 home runs and a 2-6 record with a 5.63 ERA. We haven’t seen the Francis that pitched so confidently last season in the late stretch.

While Bassitt’s reliability this season has been a force to be reckoned with, the Blue Jays need consistency from their whole rotation. The Blue Jays will likely need to acquire a high-caliber starter as they lack a number one starter in their rotation. While Bassitt has pitched like an ace, he’s demonstrated he’s a number two starter. The Blue Jays may need to consider sending Francis down if he continues to struggle. But the Blue Jays don’t have much starting pitching depth with Jake Bloss having to undergo elbow surgery. Bloss was supposed to debut in the rotation this season, but that was spoiled by landing on the shelf, requiring season-ending UCL elbow surgery.

Main Photo Credits: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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