Ex-Jay Anthony Bass refutes GM Atkins' assertion that release was 'baseball decision'

Former Toronto pitcher Anthony Bass said he reached out to the MLB Players Association after the Blue Jays released him last June, and disagreed with general manager Ross Atkins' assertion that the move was a "baseball decision."

The team designated Bass for assignment on June 9, nearly two weeks after he shared a social media post that supported anti-LGBTQ boycotts.

Bass, in his first public comments since the mid-season imbroglio, said he was told by the MLBPA that there wasn't a grievance opportunity because he was guaranteed the remainder of his $3-million US salary.

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

Bass, a 35-year-old free agent, has been training ahead of a potential return to the big leagues in 2024 and said "there has already been early interest."

Bass made a brief public apology the day after his later-deleted post and met with Pride Toronto executive director Sherwin Modeste. They talked for about an hour and discussed Bass catching the ceremonial first pitch to kick off Pride Weekend at Rogers Centre.

Plans changed when Bass was designated for assignment a few hours before the game.

"No one should be fired because of his/her personal beliefs," Bass said in a DM.

Atkins spoke shortly after the roster move was announced and said it was a "baseball decision to make our team better," adding the distraction was something that the club had to factor in.

Bass, a native of Dearborn, Mich., said he was surprised by the news.

"I thought they were calling me into the office to say that I would not be catching the first pitch to kick off Pride Weekend/month," he said.

WATCH | Blue Jays cut Bass:

Bass was formally released on June