Orioles Sign Veteran Pitcher Chris Bassitt to One-Year Deal

Bassitt joins Baltimore's rotation after strong 2025 season with Toronto Blue Jays

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Baltimore Orioles have agreed to an $18.5 million, one-year contract with veteran right-handed pitcher Chris Bassitt, according to a person familiar with the deal. Bassitt, who turns 37 later this month, is coming off a solid 2025 season with the Toronto Blue Jays, going 11-9 with a 3.96 ERA. He joins a Baltimore rotation that includes Shane Baz, Trevor Rogers, and Zach Eflin as the Orioles look to improve on their 75-87 record from last season.

Why it matters

The addition of Bassitt provides the Orioles with an experienced and durable starting pitcher to bolster their rotation. After finishing last in the AL East in 2025, the Orioles are looking to make a push for the playoffs and Bassitt's track record of logging 157+ innings over the past five seasons could be a key factor in their success.

The details

Bassitt's contract includes a $3 million signing bonus and he can earn an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses if he makes at least 27 starts. The Orioles are hoping Bassitt can provide stability and consistency to a rotation that ranked 24th in the majors with a 4.65 ERA last season. Baltimore has also added Shane Baz and re-signed Zach Eflin this offseason as they look to improve their pitching staff.

  • Bassitt agreed to the one-year, $18.5 million contract with the Orioles on February 11, 2026.
  • Bassitt will turn 37 years old on February 22, 2026.

The players

Chris Bassitt

A 37-year-old right-handed pitcher who spent the 2025 season with the Toronto Blue Jays, going 11-9 with a 3.96 ERA.

Shane Baz

A starting pitcher acquired by the Orioles in a December 2025 trade with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Trevor Rogers

A starting pitcher for the Orioles who went 9-3 with a 1.81 ERA over 18 starts in 2025.

Zach Eflin

A starting pitcher who re-signed with the Orioles on a $10 million, one-year contract for the 2026 season.

Pete Alonso

The first baseman the Orioles signed to a $155 million, five-year contract in December 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Orioles will hold their first full-squad workout of spring training on Monday, February 17, 2026.

The takeaway

The Orioles' addition of Chris Bassitt to their starting rotation, along with other offseason moves like the signing of Pete Alonso, shows the team is serious about contending in 2026 after missing the playoffs the past two seasons. Bassitt's durability and track record of success could be a key factor in helping the Orioles improve their pitching staff and make a push for the postseason.