Padres should buy low on this Blue Jays trade candidate to bolster their rotation

With the news that Joe Musgrove needed Tommy John surgery, the urgency for the San Diego Padres to address their rotation this offseason increased significantly. While the holdovers from the Padres' 2024 rotation are more than competent, depth is a legitimate concern especially in the wake of multiple trades during the 2024 season that depleted farm system.

As a result, speculation has been rife as to what the Padres could do this offseason to address this problem. Trade speculation regarding Garrett Crochet has continued after San Diego very publicly pursued him at the trade deadline this past summer, and top arms like Max Fried have been mentioned as free agent targets. However, wishful thinking often dominates offseason chatter as the market has yet to establish itself.

It would be great if the Padres made a massive move for a top starter, and for some fans, that will be the only acceptable outcome this offseason. However, another interesting short-term option could be a trade for Chris Bassitt this offseason.

Chris Bassitt could be exactly the kind of pitcher the Padres need for 2025

At 35 years old coming off a down-season by his standards, Bassitt might not seem like a great option. In 31 starts last season, he posted a pedestrian 4.16 ERA with middling strikeout and ground ball rates and less than ideal swing-and-miss stuff in Toronto. Given that Bassitt is owed $22 million in 2025, he doesn't exactly scream "strong buy" either.

However, Bassitt remained a reliable innings eater with the Blue Jays, and Yusei Kikuchi's emergence with the Astros post-trade deadline suggests that Toronto doesn't always have a great handle on how to get the most out of their pitching staff. There is reason to believe that if Bassitt joined a contending team with better coaching, he could bounce back in 2025.

Moreover, Bassitt would represent a far less costly option for the Padres than some of the more long-term solutions they may be entertaining. He has just one more year left on his deal, had a down season last year, and is owed real money. Even if the Blue Jays eat some of his salary, Bassitt isn't going to command a huge premium on the trade market despite posting a 3.37 ERA in the six years prior to last season.

When you think about it, that could be perfect for San Diego. A.J. Preller wouldn't have to commit to another long-term deal, which would allow Musgrove to slot right back into the rotation once he recovers. Given how strong the top of their rotation is, adding someone like Bassitt is really all San Diego may need.

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