Orioles Sign Veteran Pitcher Chris Bassitt to One-Year Deal

The right-hander joins an improved Baltimore rotation after a solid 2022 season with the Blue Jays.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a one-year, $18.5 million contract with veteran right-handed pitcher Chris Bassitt, according to a person familiar with the deal. The agreement includes a $3 million signing bonus and up to $500,000 in performance bonuses if Bassitt makes at least 27 starts. Bassitt, who turns 37 later this month, went 11-9 with a 3.96 ERA for the AL champion Toronto Blue Jays last season.

Why it matters

The addition of Bassitt bolsters an Orioles rotation that already includes promising young arms like Shane Baz and Trevor Rogers. After a surprise playoff appearance in 2022, Baltimore is looking to build on that success and challenge the top teams in the AL East division.

The details

Bassitt has made at least 27 starts and pitched at least 157 1/3 innings in each of the last five seasons, providing durability and consistency. He joins a revamped Orioles rotation that also includes Zach Eflin, who re-signed with the team on a one-year, $10 million deal.

  • The Orioles agreed to the one-year contract with Bassitt on February 12, 2026.
  • Bassitt's 37th birthday is on February 22, 2026.

The players

Chris Bassitt

A 37-year-old right-handed pitcher who spent the 2022 season with the Toronto Blue Jays, going 11-9 with a 3.96 ERA.

Shane Baz

A promising young right-handed pitcher acquired by the Orioles in a December 2025 trade with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Trevor Rogers

A left-handed pitcher who is part of the Orioles' improved starting rotation.

Zach Eflin

A right-handed pitcher who re-signed with the Orioles on a one-year, $10 million contract.

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What they’re saying

“The addition of Chris Bassitt to our rotation is a big boost as we look to build on our success from last season and compete in the AL East.”

— Mike Elias, Orioles General Manager (wbal.com)

What’s next

Bassitt will join the Orioles for spring training and is expected to be a key part of their starting rotation when the 2026 season begins.

The takeaway

The Orioles have made a savvy move in signing the veteran Bassitt, who provides both experience and quality innings to a rotation that is shaping up to be one of the better units in the American League.