Baltimore Orioles Sign Chris Bassitt Ahead of Spring Training 2026
The Baltimore Orioles have been one team that has been aggressive during the offseason to improve the team. They have made some intriguing moves, but it appears they are not done adding to the roster. Baltimore made a signing ahead of Spring Training officially kicking off, so let’s take a deeper dive into who it is and what it means for the team.
The Baltimore Orioles signed Chris Bassitt to a one-year contract
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported on Wednesday that the Baltimore Orioles have signed veteran right-handed pitcher Chris Bassitt to a one-year, $18.5 million contract. The deal includes a $3 million signing bonus as well as $500,000 in incentives if he is able to make 27 starts.
Bassitt has been one of the most durable pitchers in the sport, making at least 27 starts each season since 2021. Last season with the Toronto Blue Jays, he was able to finish 11-9 with a 3.96 ERA and a 1.327 WHIP in 170.1 innings (32 games, 31 starts). The one issue he has been plagued with recently is throwing inside, as he has 29 hit by pitches since the start of the 2024 season.
This adds to the Baltimore Orioles adding talent throughout the offseason as they have also added left fielder Taylor Ward, first baseman Pete Alonso, reliever Ryan Helsey, reliever Andrew Kittredge, and starter Shane Baz. Below is the team’s starting pitching depth, as one of them is expected to either be optioned to Triple-A, moved to the bullpen, or traded before the end of Spring Training
- Trevor Rogers
- Kyle Bradish
- Chris Bassitt
- Shane Baz
- Zach Eflin
- Dean Kremer
Bassitt is a solid veteran arm to add while also taking away from a divisional opponent who finished above them in the 2025 standings. This trade allows the other pitchers the ability to pick his brain and take an additional step in their own careers. It will be intriguing to see how the Baltimore Orioles are able to pitch this season as they seemingly made the improvements on the mound to bolster their roster.
