Chris Bassett signed a one-year, $18.5 million contract with the Orioles
In an American League East that looks competitive from top to bottom, the Orioles have made another move to solidify a spot of need.
Baltimore and right-handed pitcher Chris Bassett agreed to a one-year, $18.5 million contract, John Heyman of The Washington Post confirmed Wednesday.
Bassett is getting $500,000 in incentives as part of the deal.
The Braves were among the teams believed to be interested in Bassett, Heyman reported in January.
The 37-year-old closer remains in the AL East after spending the last three seasons with the Blue Jays following a one-year stint with the Mets.
He continued to pitch in 2025, throwing at least 170 frames for the fourth straight season.
Bassett had a 3.96 ERA (and 4.01 FIP) with 166 strikeouts as the Blue Jays won the division and came within two wins of their third World Series title.
He pitched 8²/₃ innings — all in relief — in the playoffs and only hit one earned run.
An All-Star in 2021 with the A’s, Bassett has a 3.64 ERA and 1.246 WHIP across 11 big-league seasons.
Baltimore has been active this offseason, especially in the pitching market by re-signing Zach Eflin, Trading for Shin Baz and He brought in solid reliever Ryan Helsley On a two-year deal.
Former Mets outfielder Pete Alonso came under a five-year deal To promote crime.
The Orioles, with a combination of injuries and inconsistency, finished last season with the fifth-worst pitching staff (ERA) at 4.60.
As of Wednesday, Fangraphs projects Baltimore to win 83.7 games — nearly three behind the Yankees — with a 53.7 percent chance of making the playoffs.
While Bassett may never pitch 200 innings again like he did five years ago, he should be a stabilizing force for a rotation that needs him.
