The MLB free agent options are dwindling slowly on the starting pitching market. Last week, Ranger Suárez became the latest name off the board when he signed with the Boston Red Sox. Framber Valdez remains the top option for teams in need of pitching, like the Baltimore Orioles.
When it comes to the Orioles, they could use another starting pitcher. They have been linked to Valdez, and they continue to be where many feel he’s going to end up, according to Jim Bowden of The Athletic. If he signs elsewhere, then the president of baseball operations, Mike Elias, may have to pivot in another direction. If he does, Bowden thinks a division rival’s former starter could be an answer.
Baltimore Orioles Listed as Landing Spot for Chris Bassitt
If the Orioles miss out on Valdez, then they could look toward former Toronto Blue Jays starter Chris Bassitt. He was a solid piece of the Blue Jays’ rotation and is someone who could slot into any rotation.
“Bassitt is the most underrated starting pitcher left on the open market. He has made 30 or more starts in each of the past four seasons, throwing a minimum of 170 innings in each of them. He has also won at least 10 games each of the past six full seasons and kept his ERA under 4.00 every season except one since 2018. If I’m a contending team looking for back-end rotation depth, I’m jumping all over him. His best fits could be the Padres, Orioles, or Tigers,” Bowden wrote.
The 36-year-old Bassitt went 11-9 for Toronto in 2025 with a 3.96 ERA while pitching 107.1 innings and striking out 166. In 32 starts, he finished with a 2.1 WAR. He pitched in seven postseason games, working 8.2 innings with a 1.04 ERA.
Chris Bassitt Would Solidify Orioles Starting Rotation
Baltimore’s biggest addition this offseason has been Pete Alonso at first base. They edged out the Red Sox for him. They also acquired Taylor Ward from the Los Angeles Angels. As far as pitching goes, their current projection is one that could use another veteran arm.
The projected rotation right now is Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Shane Baz, Zach Eflin, and Dean Kremer. Baz was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays, and Elias brought back Eflin. However, Valdez or even Bassitt would be a nice addition to compete in the American League East.
Jordan Leandre of Just Baseball predicted a one or two-year deal for Bassitt with an AAV of between $10-16 million.
“Bassitt had his fingerprints on this World Series run as well, despite relegation to the bullpen. While he did allow a crucial run in Game 7, he finished the postseason with a 1.04 ERA and a 1.52 FIP in 8.2 innings pitched,” wrote Leandre. “Whether his postseason performance significantly affects his market remains to be seen. As he enters the twilight of his career, what might that market look like?”
Bassitt has proved to be someone who is a durable starting pitcher. In the last four seasons, he started at least 30 games, including all three with the Blue Jays. For Baltimore, a short-term deal with either Valdez or Bassitt could be beneficial for a team primed to make a move in the AL East.
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