Hold onto your hats, baseball fans, because the Baltimore Orioles are making a bold move that could reshape their season! The Orioles are on the verge of signing veteran starter Chris Bassitt to a one-year, $18.5 million deal, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. But here’s where it gets interesting: this deal isn’t just about adding another arm to the rotation—it’s about bringing in a proven workhorse who’s consistently delivered solid performances, even as he approaches his 37th birthday. The contract, which includes a $3 million signing bonus and an additional $500,000 in incentives for reaching 27 starts, is pending a physical. And this is the part most people miss: Bassitt’s durability and reliability make him a safer bet than some of the Orioles’ recent veteran signings, like Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano, whose additions didn’t quite pan out as hoped.
President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias has made a habit of targeting seasoned starters on short-term deals, with mixed results. While Kyle Gibson shone in 2023, last winter’s signings didn’t live up to expectations. But Bassitt stands out. Over the past seven years, he’s been a model of consistency, rarely posting an ERA above 4.00 and surpassing 150 innings in each of the last five seasons—a feat only five other pitchers can claim. His 2023 campaign with the Blue Jays saw him log 170 1/3 innings with a 3.96 ERA, striking out 22.6% of batters while walking just 7.1%. Sure, his velocity has dipped slightly—his sinker averaged 91.6 mph last season—but he’s adapted by leaning on a diverse arsenal of pitches, including a cutter and curveball, to keep hitters off balance.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Bassitt’s struggles against left-handed hitters could be a red flag. Since 2023, lefties have batted .284/.360/.483 against him, a stark contrast to the .224/.286/.323 line he’s held righties to. Is this a fluke, or a sign of declining effectiveness? It’s a question that could spark heated debates among fans. Still, Bassitt’s track record of durability and his ability to eat innings make him a valuable addition to Baltimore’s rotation, especially after the team lost infielder Bryan Ramos on waivers to St. Louis, freeing up a spot on the 40-man roster.
Coming off a three-year, $63 million deal with the Blue Jays, Bassitt proved his worth in Toronto, delivering 541 1/3 innings of 3.89 ERA ball and even stepping up as a reliable reliever during their 2023 playoff run. His postseason performance, including 8 2/3 innings of one-run ball with 10 strikeouts, showcased his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
So, is this signing a home run for the Orioles, or just a solid base hit? What do you think? Are Bassitt’s platoon splits a cause for concern, or is his durability and consistency enough to outweigh the risks? Let us know in the comments—this is one move that’s sure to keep the conversation going all season long!
