Orioles Sign Veteran Pitcher Chris Bassitt to $18.5 Million Contract

The right-hander joins Baltimore's rotation after three seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Baltimore Orioles have finalized an $18.5 million contract with veteran right-handed pitcher Chris Bassitt. Bassitt, who spent the past three seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, will join a revamped Orioles rotation that includes Shane Baz, Trevor Rogers, and Zach Eflin. The 11-year MLB veteran went 11-9 with a 3.96 ERA in 32 regular-season games for the Blue Jays last year and had a 1.04 ERA in seven postseason relief appearances.

Why it matters

The Orioles are looking to bounce back after finishing last in the AL East in 2025, and the addition of Bassitt to their starting rotation is a key part of their offseason overhaul. Bassitt brings experience and consistency, having made at least 27 starts in each of the past five seasons with an ERA under 4.00 in all but one of those years.

The details

Bassitt's contract includes a $3 million signing bonus and he can earn an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses if he starts at least 27 games. The 36-year-old has an 83-65 career record with a 3.64 ERA, pitching for the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays over his 11-year MLB career.

  • Bassitt finalized his $18.5 million contract with the Orioles on February 14, 2026.
  • Bassitt will turn 37 years old on February 22, 2026.

The players

Chris Bassitt

A 36-year-old right-handed pitcher who has spent the past three seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Baltimore Orioles

A Major League Baseball team that plays in the American League East division and is looking to bounce back after finishing last in their division in 2025.

Shane Baz

A starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles who was acquired in a December trade with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Trevor Rogers

A starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles.

Zach Eflin

A starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles who re-signed with the team on a one-year, $10 million contract.

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What’s next

The Orioles will look to Bassitt to provide stability and experience to their starting rotation as they aim to bounce back and return to the playoffs in 2026.

The takeaway

The Orioles have made a concerted effort to upgrade their pitching staff this offseason, adding veteran arms like Bassitt, Baz, and Eflin to complement their young core. If the revamped rotation can perform at a high level, Baltimore could be poised to compete in the tough AL East division in 2026.