Every Single 2020 Free Agent the Blue Jays could be Interested in
By Reuben Gasee
Anthony Bass
The Blue Jays plucked Anthony Bass off waivers last offseason as he was released by the Mariners and rewarded them handsomely as he performed quite well and made his former team regret doing so in the process.
With the Blue Jays in 2020 over 26 games, he posted a 3.51 ERA with an opponent average of .189 and allowing just two long balls across 25.2 innings pitched. He got four holds and when he was put into the closer’s role for a bit, he did quite a good job saving seven games in nine opportunities.
It was a surprise that the Mariners let him go after the 2019 season as he did quite well with them. Over 44 appearances, he posted an ERA of 3.56 with an opponent average of .179 while only giving up five home runs in 48 innings pitched.
After seeing him carry over his success to his time with the Blue Jays, there’s no way the Mariners don’t regret letting him walk as they could have used him as a trade chip to further strengthen their rebuild.
Bass was set to make $1.5 million last season but took home the prorated portion of that over a 60 game schedule due to the pandemic. After holding opposing hitters to bat below .200 off of him in back-to-back seasons, Bass will be looking for a raise and potentially a multi-year deal if he can get one.
The Blue Jays could opt to give him a raise from his 2020 salary $1.5 million to bring him back.