Chris Bassitt says Major League Baseball has best parity: 'Salary cap is not the issue'
Photo credit: Paul Mancano - Baltimore Banner
Former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt doesn't believe a salary cap will solve MLB's problems amid growing concerns of a possible lockout on the horizon.
Former Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Chris Bassitt isn’t convinced that implementing a salary cap would address Major League Baseball’s broader economic concerns, especially with speculation building about a possible lockout in 2027.
Bassitt, 37, recently signed a one-year, $18.5 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles.
In an interview with The Baltimore Sun’s Jacob Calvin Meyer, he weighed in on the growing labour tension as the league’s current agreement nears its expiration.
“The salary cap doesn't fix anything,” Bassitt said Wednesday, according to Meyer. “If you look at every major sport that has a salary cap, we have the best parity. The salary cap is not the issue. Having suppressed salaries across the league so owners can make more money is not the answer.”
Bassitt believes dynasties are not unique to baseball
As a member of the MLBPA’s executive subcommittee, Bassitt also pointed to the recent run of success by the Los Angeles Dodgers, arguing that dynasties are not unique to baseball.
He compared their dominance to NFL powerhouses such as the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs.
“If I tell you in 25 years, the Dodgers will be going to 10 World Series and winning seven of them, is that an issue?” Bassitt said. “Because that's the Patriots. The Chiefs have been to what, six or seven? The Philadelphia Eagles have been to four or five. The parity in our sport is better than any other sport.”
Rather than imposing a cap, Bassitt suggested the league should explore ways to better support lower-revenue clubs.
“How can you sit there and say a salary cap is going to fix this when every single salary cap sport has less parity than ours?” Bassitt added. “It makes no sense.”
Speculation about a potential cap intensified in January, when reports surfaced that several owners were prepared to push for one following the Dodgers’ signing of All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240-million contract.
The Dodgers have captured three of the past six World Series titles, including consecutive championships. Their 2025 victory came against Bassitt’s former club, Toronto.
Major League Baseball’s current collective bargaining agreement is set to expire Dec. 1, placing issues such as a potential salary cap and salary floor at the forefront of upcoming negotiations.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Sportsnet announces 2026 Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training broadcast schedule
Sportsnet announces 2026 Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training broadcast schedule
Previously on Blue Jays Central
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 19|98 ANSWERS Chris Bassitt says Major League Baseball has best parity: 'Salary cap is not the issue' Do you agree with Chris Bassitt? | ||
| Yes | 57 | 58.2 % |
| No | 41 | 41.8 % |
| List of polls | ||