Frequently Asked Questions
Why should the Cubs target Chris Bassitt in free agency?
Bassitt has been consistently excellent over the last 4 seasons with a 42-20 record in 93 starts since 2019. He would have led the 2022 Cubs rotation in innings pitched, wins, strikeouts, and multiple other categories, plus he excels at inducing weak contact with an average exit velocity in the 95th percentile.
What kind of contract might Chris Bassitt get this offseason?
A deal similar to Marcus Stroman's contract with the Cubs makes sense - somewhere around 3 years/$60 million or 4 years/$75 million with club or mutual options. This would be more valuable to the 34-year-old Bassitt than his current $19 million mutual option with the Mets.
What pitches does Chris Bassitt throw?
Bassitt offers 6 pitches that he throws with consistency - a sinker about one-third of the time, plus a 4-seam fastball, curveball, slider, and cutter that he uses over 10% of the time each. His changeup is used sparingly at about 7%.
When do MLB free agents become eligible to sign with teams?
Free agents including minor leaguers are allowed to sign with any team starting 5 days after the World Series, which coincides with the Annual GM Meetings from November 7-10 in Las Vegas.
When does Cubs Spring Training begin in 2023?
The Cubs begin Spring Training on February 25 against the San Francisco Giants.