Chris Bassitt’s leadership and performance have sparked a turnaround for the Baltimore Orioles pitching staff after a rough start to the season. The right-hander signed with the Orioles in the offseason, coming from the Toronto Blue Jays. On May 2, 2026, he pitched 6.2 innings, allowing just one run and striking out seven against the Houston Astros.
Bassitt had a ‘hard talk’ with his teammates about their performance earlier this season. He noted that they needed to stop being ‘too cute’ with their pitching. His message seems to have resonated, as his outing against the Astros was his best of the year.
So far this season, Bassitt holds an ERA of 5.46 and a WHIP of 1.86 across six starts. He allowed 17 runs, including 16 earned runs, in his first five starts over 21.2 innings. The Orioles pitching staff currently ranks 22nd in team ERA at 4.39 and 24th in team WHIP at 1.44.
Bassitt’s signing came with a one-year contract worth $18.5 million. His experience and vocal presence in the clubhouse have been crucial for the Orioles as they aim for improvement in the AL East.
The Orioles hope that with continued strong performances from Bassitt, they can build momentum toward competing for a playoff spot and potentially a World Series run.
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