Veteran Pitcher Bassitt Joins Orioles with One-Year Contract Agreement
Right-handed pitcher Chris Bassitt has officially joined the Baltimore Orioles in a one-year contract worth $18.5 million. This move was reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Contract Details
Bassitt’s agreement includes:
- A $3 million signing bonus
- A $500,000 incentive for achieving 27 starts in 2026
Career Overview
At 36 years old, Bassitt has been a significant contributor on the mound. He spent the last three seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he made 95 starts. During that time, he posted a 3.89 earned run average and secured 520 strikeouts.
In 2023, he led the American League with 16 wins and registered a 3.60 ERA over 200 innings. His exceptional performance earned him a 10th place finish in Cy Young voting.
Playoff Contributions
During last year’s postseason, Bassitt shifted to the bullpen, delivering an impressive 1.04 ERA and a 0.58 WHIP across seven appearances as the Blue Jays competed for the World Series title.
New Beginnings with the Orioles
Bassitt’s arrival marks a significant addition to the revamped Orioles rotation. He joins new teammates Shane Baz and Zach Eflin, alongside returning pitchers Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, and Dean Kremer. This signing is part of Baltimore’s effort to improve after finishing last in the AL East last season.
As he enters his 12th season in Major League Baseball, Bassitt brings an 83-53 career record, complemented by a 3.64 ERA and a total of 1,191 strikeouts. He has previously played for the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, New York Mets, and Blue Jays.
