Orioles Sign Veteran Pitcher Chris Bassitt to One-Year Deal

Bassitt brings consistency and leadership to bolster Baltimore's rotation

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Baltimore Orioles have signed veteran right-handed pitcher Chris Bassitt to a one-year, $18.5 million contract with $500,000 in incentives. Bassitt, a one-time All-Star, has been a consistent mid-rotation starter over the past five seasons, making at least 27 starts per year and posting a 3.66 ERA. The 36-year-old is known for his ability to sequence eight different pitches to keep hitters off balance, and he has also shown the versatility to transition to the bullpen when needed.

Why it matters

The Orioles are hoping that Bassitt's experience and adaptability can help improve a starting rotation that struggled last season with a 4.65 ERA. Bassitt's leadership qualities, including his role in helping to improve team chemistry with the Toronto Blue Jays, are also seen as valuable additions to the Orioles' clubhouse as they look to build on their progress from the 2025 season.

The details

Bassitt has been a consistent mid-rotation starter over the last five years, making at least 27 starts each season and posting a 3.96 ERA in 170 1/3 innings in 2025. Even as his velocity has waned, he has been able to survive by sequencing eight different pitches to keep hitters off balance. Bassitt has also shown the ability to transition to the bullpen, posting a 1.04 ERA in seven short-burst relief appearances during the 2025 postseason.

  • Bassitt signed a one-year, $18.5 million contract with the Orioles on February 11, 2026.
  • In 2025, Bassitt made at least 27 starts and posted a 3.96 ERA in 170 1/3 innings.

The players

Chris Bassitt

A 36-year-old right-handed pitcher who has been a consistent mid-rotation starter over the past five seasons, making at least 27 starts per year and posting a 3.66 ERA over that span.

Baltimore Orioles

A Major League Baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland that is looking to improve their starting rotation after finishing last season with a 4.65 team ERA.

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What’s next

The Orioles will look to Bassitt to provide stability and leadership to their starting rotation as they aim to build on their progress from the 2025 season.

The takeaway

The Orioles' signing of veteran pitcher Chris Bassitt to a one-year deal represents a savvy move to bolster their starting rotation with an experienced and adaptable arm. Bassitt's ability to sequence multiple pitches and transition between starting and relief roles could prove valuable as the Orioles look to take the next step in their rebuilding process.