SARASOTA—Chris Bassitt’s first morning with the Orioles was spent meeting his fellow pitchers. Bassitt chatted with Zach Eflin, Andrew Kittredge, Dean Kremer and Tyler Wells, among others, before taking his place in a cubicle in between catchers Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo.
The right-handed starting pitcher came to the Orioles because they can contend.
“The number one reason is a chance to win and not win a couple of games, but to win a World Series. I think this team has the ability to do that,” Bassitt said.
The Orioles showed interest in Bassitt when free agency began, and he appreciated their interest and honesty about their priorities.
“They were very, very open with me about who they were targeting and where I was on the list of targets,” Bassitt said. “I wish things were a lot faster than they were, but at the end of the day, I’m really happy to be here and really excited for this group.”
Bassitt, who will turn 37 on February 22nd, has spent the last three seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, so he’s familiar with the American League East.
“I know a lot of divisions can say they’re the best. I’ll argue until I die that this is the best division in baseball,” Bassitt said. “I think the best way to get to a World Series is to get through this division. From top-to-bottom, the hardest division in baseball, in my opinion … Hopefully, make some noise like they did in ’23 [when the Orioles won the AL East].”
Bassitt is 1-3 with a 9.26 ERA in five starts at Oriole Park and 5-4 with a 5.10 ERA in 11 starts against the Orioles.
“Glad not to face them anymore, I’ll tell you that,” Bassitt said. “Their lineup has always been one of the best in baseball. I’m happy to be on the good side of that rather than having to game plan for them and figure out how to get these guys out. Get to watch them and root for them. That will be an added bonus, for sure.”
In 2025, Bassitt’s Blue Jays lost to the Dodgers in seven games in arguably the greatest World Series ever played, and he wants a chance to win one.
“You have to have the talent in the room. This team checks that box,” Bassitt said. “You have to be tougher than any other team. On and off the field, you have to do things right, and then you have to push each other. You have to look out for each other. You have to understand the dynamic of the team, and what everyone’s going through so you can protect each other.”
Last year, Bassitt was 11-9 with a 3.96 ERA in 32 games with Toronto. Ten of his 31 starts were quality starts, where he allowed three earned runs or fewer in six or more innings.
“I’m here to protect everybody, so to speak. I’m here to help. I’m here to help the rotation, help the bullpen, how close can we get, how much can we mesh together, how can we play the game the right way.”
Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: [email protected].