Get ready for some breaking baseball news! The Orioles are making a big move with a veteran pitcher, and it's a signing that could spark some debate among fans.
Jeff Passan of ESPN reports that the Orioles have agreed to a one-year, $18.5MM contract with starter Chris Bassitt. This deal is a significant step for Baltimore, especially after losing infielder Bryan Ramos on waivers to St. Louis. With Mike Elias, the President of Baseball Operations, known for his one-year deals with veteran starters, this move continues a trend.
But here's where it gets interesting: Bassitt is no ordinary veteran. He's approaching his 37th birthday, yet his career has been on an upward trajectory. Unlike some of the previous signings, Bassitt offers a higher level of consistency. Despite not reaching 100 MLB innings until his age-30 season, he's been a reliable mid-rotation presence for the last seven years. His earned run average has rarely exceeded 4.00, and he's one of only six pitchers to surpass 150 innings in each of the last five seasons.
And this is the part most people miss: Bassitt's durability. He's logged a heavy workload, ranking eighth in total innings over the past five years. That's a testament to his ability to stay healthy and deliver consistent performances. His underlying stats are slightly above average, with a solid strikeout rate of 22.6% and a walk rate of 7.1%.
However, there's a potential concern. Bassitt's velocity has dipped slightly as he's aged, and his sinker, his primary pitch, averaged just under 92 mph last season. Additionally, his performance against left-handed hitters has been a cause for concern, with his platoon splits widening in recent seasons. Lefties have had success against him, batting .284/.360/.483 since 2023.
Despite these potential issues, Bassitt's overall body of work is impressive. He comes off a three-year, $63MM contract with the Blue Jays, where he delivered a 3.89 ERA over 541 1/3 regular-season innings. He was a reliable starter and even emerged as a trusted relief option in the playoffs, pitching 8 2/3 innings of one-run ball with 10 strikeouts during Toronto's AL Championship Series run.
So, Orioles fans, what do you think? Is this a smart move by the front office? Will Bassitt be a key piece in the team's success this season? Or do you have concerns about his age and recent performance? Let's discuss in the comments and share your thoughts on this intriguing signing!
