From Fighting Camel to Blue Jay, Chasse prepares for first full pro season

Left-handed reliever Ryan Chasse is set to begin his first full season as a professional baseball player. The Blue Jays used their 17th round pick on him out of Campbell University. Photo: Sam Oziel

April 4, 2023

By Sam Oziel

Centennial Sports Journalism

DUNEDIN, Fla. - The Toronto Blue Jays entered the 2023 offseason with a need for pitching depth in the starting rotation and bullpen.

Ross Atkins chose to address the issue by trading for reliever Erik Swanson, and through the MLB draft. The general manager selected 13 hurlers through 20 rounds last July. Towards the end of the draft, the club selected left-hander Ryan Chasse out of Campbell University with the 518th pick.

During his time with the Fighting Camels, the 23-year-old pitched to a 16-6 record with a 3.58 ERA in 196 1/3 innings, earning first team All-Big South honours in his last season at the school.

“That’s something I worked really hard for,” said Chasse, outside the Blue Jays’ spring training facility. “I came in as a freshman and wasn’t in great shape, and probably wouldn’t have played all that much if I didn’t make a change.

“I was lucky enough to make some strides in my career and make the All-Big South team the three years that I played (at Campbell), so that was a really cool experience for me.”

The big lefty also played in the Cape Cod League, amassing an ERA of 1.23 with three saves in 14 2/3 innings, pitching his way to a spot on the All-Star team.

“I was only on a temporary contract, so I should have only been there for about 14 days, but I ended up throwing really well,” said the 23-year-old. “Coach (Jamie) Shevchik with the Brewster Whitecaps kept me there for a little longer, and that’s probably part of the reason I’m here now. Having some success (in the Cape League) holds some weight in the baseball world, but the experience was awesome.”

Entering into his first spring training as a professional baseball player, Chasse has been taking his opportunity in stride at the Blue Jays’ new 65-acre Player Development Complex as he looks to continue his development heading into the 2023 season.

“I was a senior for the draft and wasn’t really sure if I was going to get an opportunity like this,” said the reliever. “It kind of puts it into perspective, even a bad day here is probably pretty cool for anyone else.

“I’ve gotten to meet people that I’ve watched play on TV and I’m a big baseball fan, so the experience itself has been pretty unbelievable.”