Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt, fresh off a World Series appearance and a recently completed $63 million contract, is drawing significant interest from the Baltimore Orioles, a division rival, as he enters free agency. The potential move comes just months after Bassitt publicly expressed his affection for the Blue Jays organization following their narrow defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2025 World Series.
Bassitt, 36, described the Blue Jays as “my favorite group I’ve ever played with” following the championship series, a sentiment that underscored his positive experience during his 11th season in Major League Baseball. However, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the right-hander is now a prime target for the Orioles, who are seeking to bolster their pitching rotation after missing out on their initial target, Framber Valdez.
Valdez, a left-hander formerly with the Houston Astros, recently signed a five-year, $125 million contract with the Detroit Tigers, prompting the Orioles to shift their focus to other available pitchers. Heyman reports that Baltimore is considering several options, with Bassitt listed alongside Zac Gallen and Lucas Giolito as potential acquisitions.
Durability and Postseason Experience
The Orioles’ interest in Bassitt is rooted in his proven track record of durability and consistent performance. Over the past four seasons, Bassitt has consistently logged at least 170 innings pitched, demonstrating his ability to handle a heavy workload. This reliability is particularly valuable for a team like the Orioles, where only Dean Kremer exceeded that innings threshold in the 2025 season, reaching 171 2/3 innings.
Bassitt’s experience extends to the postseason, where he has a career ERA of 3.04 across 23 2/3 innings pitched in 10 games, dating back to 2020 with the Oakland Athletics. During the 2025 playoffs, despite a mid-season back injury that kept him out of the AL Division Series, Bassitt transitioned to a bullpen role for the Blue Jays, delivering a strong performance with a 1.04 ERA in 8 2/3 innings over seven appearances. This adaptability, having spent the entire regular season as a starter, further enhances his appeal to potential suitors.
An ‘Undervalued’ Free Agent
Analysts suggest that Bassitt may be an undervalued asset in the current free-agent market. Despite his consistent performance and durability, he remains available as spring training approaches. Travis Sawchik of MLB.com notes that Bassitt possesses a “deep arsenal” and has shown an ability to adapt and maintain effectiveness even as his velocity may naturally decline with age. Sawchik points to improvements in his curveball’s run value as evidence of his continued ability to refine his skills and contribute at a high level.
His regular season statistics for 2025 further support this assessment. Bassitt posted an 11-9 record with a 3.96 ERA and 166 strikeouts in 170.1 innings pitched. These numbers demonstrate his ability to consistently deliver quality starts and contribute significantly to his team’s success.
A Reliable Option for Baltimore
The Orioles’ pursuit of Bassitt comes as they seek to solidify their pitching staff and contend for a postseason berth in the competitive American League East. While other high-profile pitchers like Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease, and Ranger Suarez are also attracting considerable attention from multiple teams, Bassitt represents a reliable and proven option for Baltimore. His ability to consistently eat innings and maintain a respectable ERA makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to strengthen its rotation.
The Orioles’ current rotation includes several pitchers who have shown promise, but lack the consistent track record of a veteran like Bassitt. Tomoyuki Sugano, in his first MLB season after a successful career in Japan, has not consistently reached the 170-inning mark in recent years. Bassitt’s ability to reliably deliver 200 innings a season would provide stability and depth to the Orioles’ pitching staff.
As the free-agent market continues to evolve, the Orioles appear poised to make a strong push for Chris Bassitt, recognizing his potential to be a key contributor to their team’s success in the seasons to come. The situation highlights the complexities of free agency and the importance of identifying players who can provide both immediate impact and long-term value.
