Orioles’ Rotation Could Get a Veteran Boost with Chris Bassitt on Deck
SARASOTA - The Orioles haven’t made it official yet, but the buzz around camp is loud: Chris Bassitt is expected to join the rotation. And if the 37-year-old righty does indeed put on the black and orange, he’s walking into a pitching room that’s already deeper than many realize.
Manager Craig Albernaz is clearly excited about the group he’s working with this spring - and Bassitt’s potential addition only adds to the intrigue. “I loved our depth before, especially after seeing these guys live, up close and personal,” Albernaz said. “We have some real arms and some real upside.”
That core includes Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Shane Baz, Dean Kremer, and Zach Eflin - a mix of proven talent and high-ceiling arms. Add in Bassitt’s veteran presence and this rotation goes from promising to potentially playoff-caliber.
And the depth doesn’t stop there. Tyler Wells, Cade Povich, and Brandon Young are all in the mix as well, giving the Orioles options - and some tough decisions to make.
“Our depth is impressive, and it’s sneaky,” Albernaz noted. “Everyone talks about our position-player group, but after watching guys throw, there’s a lot of our pitchers that are not only on the 40-man roster, but guys that are in the minor leagues and getting close.”
The Orioles could even consider shaking up the traditional rotation structure. A six-man rotation is on the table, and Albernaz isn’t ruling anything out.
“I’d consider anything,” he said. “We’re probably going to explore everything, not only if Bassitt is with us. We want to make sure we’re putting our players in the best chance to succeed.”
What Bassitt Brings to the Table
Bassitt may be nearing 37, but he’s not showing signs of slowing down. He’s a durable, battle-tested starter who logged over 180 innings last season and brings the kind of leadership that can steady a young staff.
Pete Alonso, who shared a clubhouse with Bassitt in New York in 2022, had nothing but praise for the veteran. “He’s a beauty.
Chris is one of my all-time favorites,” Alonso said. “Big personality … Having that veteran presence is not just good for the pitching staff, but good for the whole clubhouse.”
Alonso called him a “bulldog” - a guy who brings energy every day and thrives in high-pressure situations. “He’s going to be a huge addition for us, not just in the regular season, but especially when we make that playoff stretch, that playoff run,” Alonso added.
Spring Action Heating Up
Thursday’s live batting practice session featured some key arms and big bats getting in early reps. Bradish, Wells, Povich, Young, Ryan Helsley, and Cameron Weston all took the mound, while hitters like Alonso, Gunnar Henderson, Dylan Beavers, Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill, Coby Mayo, Adley Rutschman, and Creed Willems stepped into the box.
Heston Kjerstad, who saw his 2025 campaign cut short due to exhaustion, was back in action and looks to be a full participant this spring. Albernaz emphasized a mindful approach to his ramp-up, saying the staff is focused on tailoring workloads to each player’s needs.
“There’s a lot of games in spring training,” Albernaz said. “Not everyone in that room is going to be playing that first game and the second game. We just have to figure out what’s the proper buildup for each one.”
Anthony Nunez Turning Heads
Another name to keep an eye on: Anthony Nunez. The 24-year-old right-hander came over from the Mets in the Cedric Mullins trade and is already making an impression in his first big league camp.
“It’s kind of caught me by surprise,” Nunez admitted. “It’s always a fun thing to be traded for a big leaguer when you’re in my shoes.”
Nunez was added to the 40-man roster this offseason to protect him from minor league free agency, and he’s embracing the opportunity. “All the guys are down-to-earth. They treat you just like a peer and a teammate,” he said.
Last year, he posted a 3.45 ERA with four saves over 16 games at Triple-A Norfolk, while also logging a scoreless inning at Double-A Chesapeake. He’s got his sights set on making his MLB debut in 2026 - and he just might get there.
“It’s a lifelong dream,” Nunez said. “Every time you get the chance, you try to show out and do the best you can.”
Clubhouse Vibes: Light Touches, Serious Work
There’s a new addition outside the Orioles’ clubhouse: a putting green. Gunnar Henderson was spotted using it on Wednesday, with Cade Povich taking his turn on Thursday. It’s a small touch, but one that speaks to the team’s culture - competitive, relaxed, and focused.
“I’m a terrible golfer,” Albernaz joked. “I might have to do it when no one’s watching.
Little stuff like that just goes such a long way for the guys. You want them to be pumped to be around the field.”
And that balance between fun and focus is showing up in the work, too. Alonso, reflecting on the live BP sessions, said the feedback loop between hitters and pitchers is already helping both sides sharpen their tools.
“We’re having fun but also working hard,” Alonso said. “Live BPs are mostly for the pitchers, and to give them feedback from a hitting perspective can also be super useful. You’re starting to get those competitive juices flowing.”
Payroll Climbing with Bassitt’s Deal
Bassitt’s expected one-year, $18.5 million deal would push the Orioles’ payroll to $169.1 million - the 15th highest in Major League Baseball. It’s a notable step for a franchise that’s been cautious with spending in recent years, and a clear sign that the front office believes the window to contend is wide open.
If Bassitt is the final piece to solidify this rotation, the Orioles might just have the balance - and the depth - to make a serious run this season.