Ludicrous to suggest Bassitt is equivalent to Gibson. FIP is an estimator, some guys do better than it consistently (Bassitt by .40 runs for career) and some guys consistently do worse (Gibson by .27 runs for his career).To elaborate and bring some substance, Bassitt and Gibson had the same fWAR last year. Gibson had the better FIP and xFIP. Bassitt the much better rWAR. I do think that Bassitt is better but its pretty marginal. I dont get the idea that we crap all over Gibson while propping up a marginally better SP. Both would be fine to eat innings as solid back end guys. I dont understand fretting over not having Bassitt in the fold right now. Id take him but hes not a #2 or a #3. You can still easily acquire a comparable player in FA or on the trade market
The 1.13 lower ERA that Bassitt had than Gibson or the 0.70 lower xERA aren't flukes that are equalized if you look at peripherals. It's legit and it's substantial.
Bassitt had a 3.60 ERA in 200 innings last year. 10th in Cy Young voting. He's never had a 4+ ERA. He's easily worth his contract, and it remains a mistake to have not beaten it. I'd prefer to take over his deal if possible than to sign any comparable FA pitcher this off-season. I think he's on the same tier as Montgomery and Cease.
