The Baltimore Orioles have reportedly agreed to a one-year deal worth $18.5 million with pitcher Chris Bassitt, pending a physical exam. This contract includes a $3 million signing bonus and offers an extra $500,000 if he makes 27 starts this season. The Orioles have an open spot on their 40-man roster after losing infielder Bryan Ramos to St. Louis.
Mike Elias, the team’s president of baseball operations, has frequently opted for short-term contracts with veteran pitchers. The past few years saw some ups and downs, but last season’s acquisition of Kyle Gibson proved successful. In contrast, deals for Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano didn’t meet expectations. Bassitt, nearing his 37th birthday, aims to provide a reliable presence in the rotation.
Bassitt’s career really took off at age 30 when he logged over 100 innings for the first time. Since then, he has consistently performed as a mid-rotation starter. He has a knack for keeping his ERA below 4.00, achieving this only once in seven years. Last season, he posted a 3.96 ERA while pitching over 170 innings.
In terms of strikeouts, Bassitt managed to fan 22.6% of batters faced with a 7.1% walk rate. Statistically, he stands out as one of the few pitchers to exceed 150 innings in each of the last five seasons. This durability makes him a vital addition to the Orioles’ pitching lineup.
However, he has struggled against left-handed batters recently. Their average against him has been .284 since 2023, compared to a lower .224 for right-handed hitters. This trend concerns analysts, as maintaining balance in the rotation is crucial for success.
Before joining the Orioles, Bassitt had a productive tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays, contributing to their playoff run last year. He helped the team clinch a playoff spot, logging impressive innings and striking out batters in high-pressure situations.
The Orioles have been active this offseason, signing key players and making trades to strengthen their roster. They recently acquired Pete Alonso and dealt for pitcher Shane Baz, while working to replace injured closer Félix Bautista. These moves signal Baltimore’s intent to improve after a disappointing season where they finished 75-87.
While Bassitt may not be the top-tier pitcher fans were hoping for, he offers stability that the Orioles need as they adjust their pitching plans. The team aims to remain competitive while managing the innings of some of their younger pitchers who are coming back from injuries.
According to recent payroll projections by RosterResource, the Orioles’ budget now stands at $166 million. Even with substantial signings, they are only slightly above last year’s spending. This suggests they might still be open to midseason trades if they find themselves in a strong position.
In a league where injuries can quickly derail a team’s plans, having a reliable veteran like Bassitt is essential. His experience and ability to log innings could prove invaluable as the season unfolds.
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