Chris Bassitt has only just joined the Orioles, but he's already making waves with his candid stance on a hot-button issue: the MLB salary cap debate. His perspective is refreshing, cutting through the noise with a straightforward message that challenges the typical narrative.
When talk of a salary cap surfaces, some owners start singing a familiar tune, claiming it would "fix parity," support small markets, and keep the sport competitive. But Bassitt isn't buying it. He argues that MLB already boasts better parity than other capped leagues, and that suppressing player salaries for owner profit isn't exactly a noble cause.
Orioles fans should definitely pay attention. Baltimore is often used as an example in these discussions.
When payrolls are low, they're labeled a "small market." When they rise, it's a cautionary tale.
Either way, it's the players who are asked to make sacrifices so billionaires can claim they're doing everyone a favor. Bassitt is essentially calling out this sleight of hand, urging everyone to look beyond the smoke and mirrors.
The Orioles have shown that competitive parity doesn't require a cap. Their strategy?
Draft well and develop talent. A salary cap doesn't guarantee smarter spending; it just sets a limit.
The same penny-pinching teams can then boast about being "efficient" while pocketing the savings.
Bassitt isn't just any player voicing an opinion. As a member of the MLBPA’s executive subcommittee, he's speaking from a position of influence, gearing up for the next collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
It's worth noting the irony that this message comes from a player who just inked a one-year, $18.5 million deal with performance incentives. But that's precisely the point.
The Orioles didn't sign Bassitt because a capless system forced their hand. They did it because they recognized the need for a seasoned presence in their rotation and made the investment.
As the league potentially heads toward a "salary cap mess," the Orioles should focus on acting like a serious contender in their current window of opportunity, rather than seeking economic excuses. It's about making bold moves and embracing the challenge, not relying on a salary cap as a crutch.