One of the most emotional moments of this year’s MLB season just occurred when Chris Bassitt, after three emotionally charged seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, officially thanked Canadian fans before beginning a new chapter in his career with the Baltimore Orioles. Bassitt, who contributed over 500 innings to the Blue Jays and played a major role in their journey to the 2025 World Series, posted a heartfelt message expressing his deep gratitude to Toronto fans and the entire country of Canada.
“Toronto and all of Canada… I am incredibly grateful that my family chose to come here three years ago. From welcoming my youngest son to play in the World Series and everything in between — it’s the feelings and friendships that our family will cherish for a lifetime,” Bassitt wrote, expressing his unwavering connection to the city and its fans even as he prepares to move to another team.
Bassitt arrived in Toronto in 2023 on a three-year contract worth approximately $63 million, and immediately became one of the most beloved faces in the locker room and in the stands. In three seasons with the Blue Jays, he recorded 541 1/3 innings and an ERA of 3.89, fulfilling and exceeding his contract’s expectations.
But what Blue Jays fans will remember more than just the statistics — it’s how Bassitt loves his city and community, and how he and his wife Jessica participated in a fundraising campaign for children through the “Bassitts Pitch In” program, where they donated tens of thousands of dollars to local baseball and education programs.
2025 saw a season that Torontonians had been waiting for since 1993 — a journey to the World Series, where Bassitt and his teammates nearly clinched glory. Although he didn’t win the championship ring after losing Game 7, Bassitt remained an indispensable part of the team, even competing in every role — from starter to bullpen — during crucial stages of the postseason.
In a moving post-Game 7 speech, Bassitt spoke of teammates like Max Scherzer and Kevin Gausman with deep appreciation, further endearing him to fans — “I love you guys… it’s hard to recapture that genuine feeling.”
After ending his journey with the Blue Jays, Bassitt signed a one-year, $18.5 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles — a team that is aggressively accelerating its transfer activity and aiming to improve its rotation next season. Despite changing teams, Bassitt will continue to be closely watched, especially as he will have the opportunity to face his former team this season — with games against Toronto scheduled for both Spring Training and the regular season.
Mets vs. Blue Jays vs. Orioles in Spring Training
Regular season: Orioles vs. Blue Jays — May 28 in Baltimore and June 5 in Toronto — where Bassitt is sure to receive a warm round of applause from the fans who once adored him.
Unlike many big players who come to Toronto solely for baseball, Bassitt and his family genuinely loved life in Canada. In his thank-you message, he mentioned the feelings, friendships, and experiences that went far beyond baseball, things he and his family will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
One fan on Reddit commented:
“He was always a world-class player and a great person. It’s sad to see him go, but Bassitt will always be Blue Jay in our hearts.”
Bassit’s end in Toronto was a symphony of fan applause, unforgettable World Series memories, and a practical career decision as the team restructured its rotation. The Blue Jays’ acquisition of pitchers like Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce narrowed Bassitt’s opportunities in the rotation before he decided to join the Orioles.
Nevertheless, Bassitt’s tribute shows that baseball is more than just a sport — it’s about love, community, and connections that transcend time and space.
Chris Bassitt is leaving Toronto, but the love from Canadian fans will live on.
