Orioles Pitcher Chris Bassitt Believes Team Has Title Potential

Veteran starter signed by Orioles says he's not over past disappointments but sees championship possibilities in Baltimore.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Chris Bassitt, the veteran starting pitcher recently signed by the Baltimore Orioles, expressed confidence that the team has what it takes to win a championship. However, the 34-year-old acknowledged that he is still not over past disappointments in his career, suggesting he has unfinished business he hopes to address with his new club.

Why it matters

Bassitt's comments indicate the Orioles have assembled a roster that is viewed as capable of competing for a World Series title, which would be a major turnaround for a franchise that has struggled in recent years. Bassitt's veteran presence and belief in the team could provide a boost of momentum and leadership as the Orioles aim to return to the playoffs.

The details

Bassitt, who signed a 2-year, $34 million contract with the Orioles on Friday, spent about 8 minutes answering questions from reporters and spoke over 1,000 words. His final four words - "I'm not over it" - were the most revealing, suggesting the pitcher still has unresolved feelings from past disappointments in his career that he hopes to address with a championship run in Baltimore.

  • Bassitt signed with the Orioles on Friday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Chris Bassitt

A 34-year-old veteran starting pitcher who was recently signed by the Baltimore Orioles to a 2-year, $34 million contract.

Baltimore Orioles

A Major League Baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland that has struggled in recent years but is now viewed as having a roster capable of competing for a championship.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not over it.”

— Chris Bassitt, Pitcher

What’s next

Bassitt and the Orioles will look to build on this optimism as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 MLB season, with the goal of ending the team's playoff drought and competing for a World Series title.

The takeaway

Chris Bassitt's comments suggest the Orioles have assembled a talented roster that could be poised for a championship run, though the veteran pitcher still has unresolved feelings from past disappointments that he hopes to overcome with a title in Baltimore.