Orioles' Chris Bassitt Rejects Salary Cap as Lockout Concern

Veteran pitcher argues parity exists without salary cap in MLB

Feb. 25, 2026 at 9:47pm

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Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Chris Bassitt, who serves on the MLBPA executive subcommittee, firmly rejected the idea of implementing a salary cap in MLB. Bassitt argued that a salary cap would not fix the league's issues and pointed to existing parity in other major sports leagues with salary caps.

Why it matters

The debate over a salary cap in MLB has intensified as the Dodgers continue to spend heavily in free agency, leading some to believe a cap is necessary to create more parity. Bassitt's stance as a player representative provides an insider's perspective on this contentious issue as MLB faces the possibility of another work stoppage.

The details

Bassitt stated that "the salary cap doesn't fix anything" and that "having suppressed salaries across the league so owners can make more money is not the answer." He cited examples of parity in other leagues with salary caps, such as the Patriots, Chiefs, and Eagles, to argue that a salary cap is not the solution to MLB's competitive balance concerns.

  • On February 19, 2026, Bassitt made these comments amid ongoing lockout negotiations between MLB and the players' union.

The players

Chris Bassitt

A veteran starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles who serves on the MLBPA executive subcommittee.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The MLB team that has won three World Series titles and five National League pennants since 2016, leading to calls for a salary cap.

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What they’re saying

“The salary cap doesn't fix anything. If you look at every major sport that has a salary cap, we have the best parity. The salary cap is not the issue. Having suppressed salaries across the league so owners can make more money is not the answer.”

— Chris Bassitt, Orioles Pitcher

“If I tell you in 25 years, the Dodgers will be going to 10 World Series and winning seven of them, is that an issue? Because that's the Patriots. The Chiefs have been to what, six or seven? The Philadelphia Eagles have been to four or five. The parity in our sport is better than any other sport.”

— Chris Bassitt, Orioles Pitcher

What’s next

As MLB and the players' union continue negotiations to avoid a potential lockout, the debate over a salary cap is likely to remain a key point of contention.

The takeaway

Bassitt's stance as a player representative provides an insider's perspective on the salary cap debate, rejecting the notion that a cap is necessary to create more parity in MLB. His arguments highlight the complex issues at play as the league navigates labor negotiations.