Chris Bassitt named Players' Union Leader
Chris Bassitt always speaks his mind. The outspoken Blue Jays starting pitcher has a reputation for telling it like is, while also being mindful of the impact his words can have. He is respected in the Blue Jays clubhouse for both his leadership abilities and mentor-like qualities.
It would appear that his peers around the league agree.
On Wednesday, Bassitt was elected to Major League Baseball Players Association's Executive Subcommittee as one of two Association Player Representatives. He will be serving with ex-teammate and former Blue Jay Marcus Semien.
While each team has a player representative, the eight-member executive sub-committee of which Chris Bassitt is now a part of, serves as the leadership wing of the players union. This puts the Blue Jays right-hander in a very powerful position, arguably second only to the union's executive director Tony Clark.
While Marcus Semien has been in this position before, having been re-elected following his two year stint, this will be Bassitt's first time as Association Player Representative. He replaces the New York Mets' Francisco Lindor and will serve in the role for two years.
Although they never played together on the Blue Jays, Chris Bassitt and Semien know each well having played together on the Chicago White Sox in 2014 before the both of them were traded to the Oakland A's that December.
Alongside Bassitt and Marcus Semien, the executive subcommittee includes National League Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes and Jake Cronenworth as the alternate Association Player Representatives, while relievers Brent Suter and Pete Fairbanks will be the Pension Committee representatives.
Newly crowned Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal and Baltimore Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins will serve as their alternates.
The Blue Jays may only have Chris Bassitt as a representative for one year however, as his contract expires at the end of the 2025 season. Still, this is an important and powerful role for the hound, who will now be the voice for an entire league.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 5 | 160 ANSWERS Chris Bassitt named Players' Union Leader Will Chris Bassitt make a good union representative | ||
| Yes | 144 | 90 % |
| No | 16 | 10 % |
| List of polls | ||
