6. Chris Bassitt
As one of the best innings-eater on the team, Chris Bassitt has delivered that and more in his current tenure with the Jays. After leading the rotation in wins (16), starts (33) and innings pitched (200) last season, Bassitt had been one of the more reliable starters for the Jays in 2024 following a slow start to the season. Over 20 games played, he is tied for the team lead in wins with eight and lead all Jays’ starters in ERA with a 3.71 mark. He has also struck out 106 batters in 114 innings pitched while posting nine quality starts in the process.
With his ability to pitch late into games, as well as minimizing damage at the same time, Bassitt should be a prime target for teams aiming for a veteran middle-of-the-rotation starter. Both the Milwaukee Brewers and Boston Red Sox have been tied to the Jays starter in trade talks. With teams openly starting to compete for his services, it will only be a matter of time before Bassitt will be scooped up by a legitimate contender to boost their starting five for the stretch run.
5. Kevin Kiermaier
When the Jays re-signed Kiermaier to a one-year contract for the 2024 season, many were expecting more of the same of what he brought to the team last year. That would be some solid run production at the bottom of the lineup, along with elite defense in the outfield. Well, Kiermaier has held his end of the bargain with his stellar defense alright, but from an offensive standpoint, he has surely fallen off a cliff so far this season.
For 2024, Kiermaier has batted a measly .195 with a .553 OPS, along with 23 runs scored, 6 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs, 18 RBI, 5 stolen bases, 10 walks and 64 strikeouts in 75 games played. He was even placed on revocable waivers earlier in the month, but with no takers. He could still turn out to be a valuable bench piece for a team looking for a strong defender and pinch-runner near the end of ballgames. But his days as an everyday outfielder could be coming to an end if he is eventually moved from the Jays’ squad.