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Oakland A’s begin fire sale with Chris Bassitt heading to New York Mets

By David Hill |
Apr 12, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland A’s fire sale has officially begun and the first player out the door is Chris Bassitt.

According to Joel Sherman, the A’s are sending Bassitt to the New York Mets. In exchange, Oakland will be acquiring minor league pitchers J.T. Ginn and Adam Oller.

Oakland A’s send Chris Bassitt to New York Mets

Bassitt had emerged from seemingly nowhere to establish himself as the A’s ace last season. After entering the rotation in 2020 due to injury, he showed that he was one of the best pitchers in the American League. He has posted a 3.26 ERA and a 1.128 WHiP in his 364.1 innings since the start of the 2019 season, striking out 355 batters with just 103 walks.

Ginn is the clear prize of the trade. Rated by MLB.com as the Mets’ fifth best prospect, Ginn had originally been selected by the Dodgers with the 30th overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft. Taken by the Mets in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft, he was able to reach High-A last year. Ginn possesses two plus pitches – a sinking fastball that sits in the mid 90s and a two plane slider in the mid 80s. Add in his promising changeup and decent command, and Ginn has the profile of a possible top of the rotation arm.

Oller is not a top prospect by any means, but he could be a solid piece for the A’s as soon as this year since he has already seen time in Triple-A. The 27 year old has a mid 90s fastball, along with an average slider, curve, and change, all of which come from a low three-quarters arm slot. It is possible that he moves to the bullpen because of his arm slot, but he did have success last year in the minors.

While his departure was expected, Bassitt is a huge loss. Not only have the A’s traded away their ace, but he could be considered one of the leaders of the team. The way he fought to come back after being struck in the face by that line drive in August made him an inspirational figure. That toughness and fire will be hard to replace.

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The Oakland A’s have begun their fire sale. Chris Bassitt is on his way to the New York Mets for minor league pitchers J.T. Ginn and Adam Oller.

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