Orioles Split Squad Dominates Twins, Bassitt's Trash Talk Steals the Show in Sarasota

Spring training brings fireworks as Baltimore's new veteran pitcher Chris Bassitt engages in playful banter with former teammate Pete Alonso

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:36pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the dynamic between two baseball players, their forms broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors, capturing the energy and tension of their on-field rivalry.Bassitt's veteran presence and Alonso's competitive spirit collide in a cubist clash of baseball's past and future.Sarasota Today

While one Orioles squad was busy dismantling the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers, the real action was happening in Sarasota, where new Orioles pitcher Chris Bassitt engaged in some memorable trash talk with former teammate Pete Alonso during his first live batting practice session. Bassitt's arrival in Baltimore is expected to stabilize the team's rotation and provide valuable mentorship to the club's young pitchers.

Why it matters

Bassitt's experience and leadership could be a key factor in the Orioles' success this season, as the team looks to turn its potential into on-field performance. The playful rivalry between Bassitt and Alonso also provided an entertaining moment for fans and teammates, injecting some much-needed levity into the grind of spring training.

The details

In the Orioles' split-squad games, one team dominated the Minnesota Twins 10-5 in Fort Myers, led by standout performances from Leody Tavares, Luis Vázquez, Coby Mayo, and Jeremiah Jackson. Meanwhile, in Sarasota, new Orioles pitcher Chris Bassitt faced off against his former Mets teammate Pete Alonso in live batting practice, engaging in some memorable trash talk. Alonso accused Bassitt of 'ducking' him, but Bassitt fired back, inducing a groundout on the first pitch and later a fly ball, prompting more banter between the two.

  • On February 24, 2026, the Orioles split their squad for spring training games.
  • Bassitt faced Alonso and other Orioles hitters in his first live batting practice session in Sarasota.

The players

Chris Bassitt

A veteran pitcher who recently signed a one-year, $18.5 million deal with the Orioles. He is expected to stabilize the team's rotation and provide valuable mentorship to the club's young pitchers.

Pete Alonso

A slugger for the Orioles and Bassitt's former teammate on the Mets. Alonso is known for his trash-talking and engaged in a playful exchange with Bassitt during live batting practice.

Leody Tavares

An Orioles outfielder who had a standout performance in the team's 10-5 victory over the Twins, going 3-for-4 with two doubles, two runs scored, two RBIs, and a stolen base.

Luis Vázquez

An Orioles infielder who contributed two hits, including a double, and a stolen base in the win over the Twins.

Coby Mayo

An Orioles infielder who added two singles, a run, and an RBI in the victory over the Twins.

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What they’re saying

“I ain't ducking”

— Chris Bassitt

“You knew what was coming. I told you, 'One pitch.'”

— Chris Bassitt

“Pete knows. Yeah, Pete knows.”

— Chris Bassitt

“These guys always pay it forward. That's what makes this game great. Bassitt exemplifies that—he's battle-tested, and he has a wealth of experience to share, especially with our younger pitchers.”

— Craig Albernaz, Orioles Manager

“He's been in this game for a long time, and that's what we all aspire to. I'm definitely going to keep listening to him. It's been great playing catch with him and having these conversations—he's not just trying to make me better, but the entire staff.”

— Cade Povich, Orioles Pitcher

What’s next

The Orioles are set to host the Rays at Ed Smith Stadium today, with the first pitch at 1:05 PM. Many of the team's top hitters are expected to return to the lineup, at least for a few innings.

The takeaway

Bassitt's arrival in Baltimore has brought more than just a strong arm to the Orioles' rotation. His experience, leadership, and mentorship of the team's young pitchers could be a key factor in the club's success this season, as they look to turn their potential into on-field performance. The playful rivalry between Bassitt and Alonso also provided an entertaining moment for fans and teammates, injecting some much-needed levity into the grind of spring training.