Another member of the Toronto Blue Jays’ AL Pennant team is moving on.
Veteran right-hander Chris Bassitt is signing with the division rival Baltimore Orioles in free agency, Jeff Passan of ESPN reported on Wednesday. Bassitt has agreed to a one-year, $18.5 million contract with the team.
The 36-year-old Bassitt is also getting a $3 million signing bonus from the Orioles, Passan adds. On top of that, Bassitt’s contract comes with another $500,000 in incentives for if he makes 27 total starts.
Bassitt, an All-Star in 2021 with the then-Oakland Athletics, had spent the last three seasons with the Blue Jays. He led the AL with 16 wins during the 2023 campaign and posted an 11-9 record with a 3.96 ERA and 166 strikeouts over 31 total starts in 2025.
The 11-year MLB veteran Bassitt also played a key role in relief during Toronto’s run to the World Series last season. He even went viral during Game 7 against the Los Angeles Dodgers for the Bible verse written on his hat.
With the Orioles in 2026, Bassitt figures to have another meaningful role in a strengthened Baltimore rotation. Earlier this offseason, they traded for Shane Baz and then re-signed Zach Eflin in free agency. The Orioles have also had a very impressive winter on the offensive side of the ball, trading for Taylor Ward and of course adding a former MLB home runs leader as well.
