Blue Jays finalize 3-year, $63M US deal with right-hander Chris Bassitt
Left-hander Anthony Kay designated for assignment to open roster spot
Right-hander Chris Bassitt and the Toronto Blue Jays finalized their $63 million US, three-year contract on Friday.
"Couldn't be more excited to call this place home for at least the next three years," Bassitt posted on Twitter along with a photo of the diamond at Rogers Centre. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to join this special group. Let's do something special."
Bassitt, 33, was 15-9 with a 3.42 ERA this year for the New York Mets, setting career highs with 30 starts, 181 2/3 innings and 167 strikeouts.
Bassitt is 46-3 with a 3.45 ERA in right major league seasons.
He gets a $3 million signing bonus, payable within 30 days of approval of the contract by the commissioner's office, and salaries of $18 million next year and $21 million each in 2024 and 2025.
He would get a $150,000 bonus for winning a Cy Young Award, $125,000 for second, $100,000 for third, $75,000 for fourth and $50,000 for fifth. He also would get $50,000 each for making the All-Star team, winning a Gold Glove or World Series MVP, and $25,000 for League Championship Series MVP.
Bassitt has the ability to block trades to eight teams unless he consents.
Left-hander Anthony Kay was designated for assignment to open a roster spot.
