Division rival signs free agent starting pitcher Chris Bassitt
Photo credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
The Baltimore Orioles have added a veteran arm to their rotation, signing former Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Chris Bassitt to a one-year deal.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Bassitt and the Orioles have agreed to a contract worth $18.5 million.
The agreement is pending a physical and includes a $3 million signing bonus, along with up to $500,000 in additional incentives if he reaches 27 starts.
Right-hander Chris Bassitt and the Baltimore Orioles are in agreement on a one-year, $18.5 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Bassitt, 36, joins an overhauled O’s rotation that also added Shane Baz and re-signed Zach Eflin to join Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers and Dean Kremer.
Bassitt the ultimate team player will provide a veteran presence and consistency
Now 36, Bassitt continues to provide steady, mid-rotation production. He posted a 3.96 ERA last season, backed by slightly above-average underlying metrics.
Over 170 1/3 innings, he struck out 22.6 percent of opposing hitters while maintaining a solid 7.1 percent walk rate.
While his velocity has dipped marginally with age, it hasn’t strayed far from his career norms. His sinker — his primary pitch — averaged 91.6 mph last season, just below his typical 92–93 mph range.
Bassitt leans heavily on that sinker, while also mixing in a cutter and curveball, and he’s known for limiting hard contact.
In fact, Statcast tracked eight different pitches in his arsenal during his final season in Toronto.
Bassitt joins Baltimore after completing a three-year, $63 million contract with the Blue Jays.
During that span, he delivered 541 1/3 innings with a 3.89 ERA in the regular season, proving to be one of Toronto’s most durable starters.
He missed just one start due to minor back inflammation last September.
Though he was unavailable for the Division Series against the Yankees, Bassitt returned for the American League Championship Series and shifted into a key relief role.
He became one of manager John Schneider’s most trusted high-leverage options, allowing just one run over 8 2/3 innings with 10 strikeouts during Toronto’s pennant push.
After playing a pivotal role in the Blue Jays’ rise from worst to first in the AL East, Bassitt will now look to bring that same veteran presence and consistency to a new chapter in Baltimore.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Toronto Blue Jays sign free agent right-handed pitcher
Toronto Blue Jays sign free agent right-handed pitcher
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 11|196 ANSWERS Division rival signs free agent starting pitcher Chris Bassitt Are you disappointed that the Toronto Blue Jays did not bring back Chris Bassitt for 2026? | ||
| Yes | 171 | 87.2 % |
| No | 25 | 12.8 % |
| List of polls | ||