Orioles excited about Bassitt’s addition; Kjerstad’s a full participant in camp

SARASOTA-What’s happening? The signing of starting pitcher Chris Bassitt isn’t official, but there’s excitement and speculation about the impact the right-hander’s addition will have on the Orioles’ rotation.

Bassitt, who will turn 37 on February 22nd, will join a group that includes Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Shane Baz, Dean Kremer and Zach Eflin.

“I loved our depth before, especially after seeing these guys live, up close and personal,” manager Craig Albernaz said on Thursday. “We have some real arms and some real upside. Our pitching group is doing a great job of tapping into that potential and getting plans for them to make it actionable to go out and win a game.”

The Orioles also have Tyler Wells, Cade Povich and Brandon Young as possibilities.

“Our depth is impressive, and it’s sneaky,” Albernaz said.  “Everyone talks about our position-player group, but after watching guys throw, there’s a lot of our pitchers that are not only on the 40-man roster, but guys that are in the minor leagues and getting close.”

The Orioles might have to move a starter into the bullpen, and Albernaz isn’t ruling out a six-man rotation.

“I’d consider anything. I think all options are on the table,” he said. “We’re probably going to explore everything, not only if Bassitt is with us. We want to make sure we’re putting our players in the best chance to succeed. A six-man rotation may be an option, a regular five-man? It all depends.

“For us we’re talking through everything, We want to be prepared.”

First baseman Pete Alonso, a teammate of Bassitt’s with the New York Mets in 2022, is a huge backer.

“He’s a beauty. Chris is one of my all-time favorites,” Alonso said. “Big personality … Having that veteran presence is not just good for the pitching staff, but good for the whole clubhouse. He brings energy every day.

“He’s a bulldog out there. I think he’s going to be a huge addition for us, not just in the regular season, but especially when we make that playoff stretch, that playoff run. Having his experience and his vast baseball knowledge from his experience is huge. He’s a great personality, a great human being. He’s going to [get along] well with this group of guys, that’s for sure.”

What’s happened? Bradish, Wells, Povich, Young, Ryan Helsley and Cameron Weston threw live batting practice in the stadium while Alonso, Gunnar Henderson, Dylan Beavers, Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill, Coby Mayo, Adley Rutschman and Creed Willems were among those who hit. 

Heston Kjerstad, whose 2025 season ended last July due to exhaustion, will be a full participant during this camp. He also hit during the session.

“Heston, just like all players, we’re going to be very mindful of the buildup,” Albernaz said. “There’s a lot of games in spring training. The first one is February 20^th. Not everyone in that room, in that building, is going to be playing that first game and the second game, so we just have to figure out what’s the proper buildup for each one and check where our guys are at. It’s not only where the body’s at, but also skills as well.

“We want to make sure our coaches feel like our players are in the best spot, and they’re developing the way they should. Sometimes you have to give them another couple of days, what they’re working on, and then put them in the game.”

What’s up with Anthony Nunez? Nunez is a 24-year-old right-handed pitcher acquired by the Orioles from the New York Mets as part of the Cedric Mullins deal last July 31^st.

“It’s kind of caught me by surprise. I was trying to prepare for it,” Nunez said. “I didn’t know if I would or I wouldn’t, and it’s exciting. It’s always a fun thing to be traded for a big leaguer when you’re in my shoes.”

Nunez was placed on the 40-man roster to prevent him from becoming a minor league free agent, and he’s in his first big league camp.

“All the guys are down-to-earth,” Nunez said. “They treat you just like a peer and a teammate. They help you in any way they can. The guys are great. The facilities are great. The routines and the practices. Everything’s been good so far.”

Nunez thinks he has a good chance to make his big-league debut in 2026.

“It’s a lifelong dream. Every time you get the chance, you try to show out and do the best you can,” Nunez said.

Last season, Nunez was 1-4 with a 3.45 ERA and four saves in 16 games for Triple-A Norfolk. He also pitched a scoreless inning for Double-A Chesapeake.

What’s what? This year, the Orioles have installed a putting green outside their clubhouse. Henderson was spotted playing the green on Wednesday. On Thursday, it was Povich’s turn.

You might not see Albernaz there.

“I’m a terrible golfer. I might have to do it when no one’s watching,” he joked. “Little stuff like that just goes such a long way for the guys. You want them to be pumped to be around the field. We’ve got some other things in the indoor facility to keep them occupied.”

What’s the word? “We’re having fun but also working hard. It’s good to also give honest feedback. Live BPs are mostly for the pitchers and to give them feedback from a hitting perspective can also be super useful. If something looks good, you’re letting them know. You’re starting to get those competitive juices flowing.”-Alonso on participating in live batting practices.

What’s the number? $169.1 million. The addition of Bassitt, who reached agreement on a one-year, $18.5 million contract, would make the Orioles’ payroll the 15^th highest in baseball.

Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com