Veteran Pitcher Chris Bassitt Joins Orioles Rotation

Bassitt cites chance to win World Series as key reason for signing with Baltimore

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Baltimore Orioles have added veteran starting pitcher Chris Bassitt to their rotation on a one-year, $18.5 million deal. Bassitt, who helped the Toronto Blue Jays reach the World Series last season, said the Orioles' chance to win a championship was the top factor in his decision to join the team.

Why it matters

The Orioles are looking to build on their success from 2025 and make a deep playoff run. Adding an experienced starter like Bassitt to their already talented rotation gives them an even stronger chance of contending for the World Series.

The details

Bassitt, who turns 37 next week, went 11-9 with a 3.96 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 166 strikeouts in 170.1 innings for the Blue Jays last season. He joins an Orioles rotation that includes Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Shane Baz, Zach Eflin, and Dean Kremer. Bassitt cited the Orioles' signing of first baseman Pete Alonso, his former Mets teammate, as another key reason he chose to come to Baltimore.

  • Bassitt helped the Blue Jays reach the World Series in 2025.

The players

Chris Bassitt

A 37-year-old starting pitcher who signed a one-year, $18.5 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles after helping the Toronto Blue Jays reach the World Series in 2025.

Pete Alonso

The Orioles' new first baseman, who played with Bassitt on the New York Mets in 2022 and was a key factor in Bassitt's decision to sign with Baltimore.

Mike Elias

The Orioles' president of baseball operations, who has assembled a talented roster that Bassitt believes can win a World Series.

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What they’re saying

“No. 1 reason is a chance to win, and not just win a couple games, but win a World Series, and I think this team has the ability to do that”

— Chris Bassitt, Starting Pitcher (yardbarker.com)

“One of the big reasons why I came here was Pete”

— Chris Bassitt, Starting Pitcher (yardbarker.com)

What’s next

Bassitt will join the Orioles' spring training camp in Sarasota, Florida, as he prepares for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Orioles have made another significant addition to their roster, bringing in veteran pitcher Chris Bassitt to bolster their starting rotation. Bassitt's belief in the team's ability to win a World Series, as well as his existing relationship with new teammate Pete Alonso, were key factors in his decision to join Baltimore.