Controversial pitcher Anthony Bass says Blue Jays release 'was not a baseball decision'

Controversial former Toronto Blue Jays reliever Anthony Bass remains displeased with his release from the organization early in the 2023 season.

The 35-year-old pitcher was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on June 9 after he shared a hateful social media post supporting anti-LGBTQ+ boycotts. After clearing waivers, he was granted his release six days later.

In an interview with The Canadian Press, Bass spoke on the record for the first time since becoming a free agent and revealed that he sought a grievance complaint with the Major League Baseball Players Association regarding the "baseball decision."

Those efforts were ultimately turned aside because the Blue Jays had already guaranteed his remaining $3 million salary. Still, he’s determined to revisit that discussion if he struggles to earn a contract this winter.

"If this causes future issues, I think there is a strong case to be had," Bass told The Canadian Press.

The veteran right-hander provided a brief on-field statement to local reporters the day after his post was deleted, but he refused to answer any follow-up questions.

Bass met with Pride Toronto executive director Sherwin Modeste a few days later, with the pitcher calling their conversation "a learning experience." The 6-foot-2 hurler was originally scheduled to catch the ceremonial first pitch from LGBTQ+ advocate leZlie Lee Kam on June 9 to open the club's annual Pride Weekend festivities.

That plan changed after Bass reaffirmed his religious beliefs while speaking to the media one day prior, claiming he initially didn’t believe the video in question depicted hateful or damaging views.

Those comments added fuel to the fire of an already delicate situation, leading to his eventual removal from Toronto’s roster just hours before the game June 9. Afterward, Kevin Gausman stepped in as his replacement to catch the celebratory first pitch.

"It was my idea to catch the first pitch when I spoke to Sherwin prior to my release," Bass said. "The Jays agreed to it, saying it was a good idea. Later, they backpedalled and said they never agreed to me catching the first pitch."

Bass was booed multiple times by fans at Rogers Centre during separate relief appearances prior to being designated for assignment. Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said the move was a "baseball decision to make our team better.”

Bass still believes he was “fired because of his personal beliefs" and at the time was surprised to learn he was losing his spot on the team.

"It was not a baseball decision," Bass said. "I had a 1.80 ERA in the month of May. Coming off a career year where the Jays traded one of their top prospects [Jordan Groshans] for me."

The Dearborn, Michigan, native said he thought he was being brought into Atkins’ office to be informed that he was no longer catching the first pitch to kick off Pride Weekend. Instead, he was told of his release, which he claims came without any reasoning.

"Ross didn't give me an explanation," Bass said. "... I can read between the lines."

Toronto reacquired Bass — who also spent the 2020 season with the franchise — along with Canadian Zach Pop and minor-leaguer Edward Duran at the 2022 trade deadline in exchange for Groshans.

Despite the strong May numbers Bass alluded to, he struggled to a cumulative 4.95 ERA in 22 relief appearances with the Blue Jays this season.

Bass has continued training in the months since his release, and he hopes to return to the big leagues next season, saying he has already garnered interest from potential suitors.