Orioles Add Veteran Pitcher Chris Bassitt to Improved Rotation

The deal is for one year and $18.5 million, per a source.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Baltimore Orioles have added veteran right-handed pitcher Chris Bassitt to their improved starting rotation, agreeing to a one-year, $18.5 million contract with the pitcher, according to a source.

Why it matters

The Orioles are looking to build on a promising 2025 season and make a push for the playoffs in 2026. Adding an experienced starter like Bassitt to their rotation should bolster their pitching staff and give them a better chance of contending in the AL East.

The details

Bassitt, 34, is coming off a solid 2025 season where he went 13-9 with a 3.71 ERA for the Toronto Blue Jays. He provides the Orioles with a reliable veteran presence in their rotation alongside emerging young arms like Grayson Rodriguez and DL Hall.

  • The deal was agreed to on February 12, 2026.

The players

Chris Bassitt

A 34-year-old right-handed pitcher who has spent the last several seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Grayson Rodriguez

A promising young starting pitcher in the Orioles' organization.

DL Hall

Another up-and-coming starting pitcher in the Orioles' system.

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What they’re saying

“Adding an experienced starter like Bassitt to our rotation is a big move for us as we look to take the next step as a team.”

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

What’s next

The Orioles will look to finalize their 2026 roster and continue to build around their young core of players.

The takeaway

The Orioles are making smart, targeted moves to improve their pitching staff and position themselves as contenders in the AL East for the 2026 season.