One of the most striking sights from the early days of Spring Training is Chris Bassitt sporting the Baltimore Orioles uniform. It's a visual that's taking some getting used to for Blue Jays fans who were accustomed to seeing him in their beloved Blue and White. Bassitt's move to Baltimore comes with a one-year, $18 million deal, and it’s already stirring the pot, especially with former Orioles manager Buck Showalter adding his two cents.
Buck Showalter, a familiar figure in Toronto's baseball narrative, has a history with the Blue Jays as a former manager of rival teams like the Yankees and Orioles. Known for his candid remarks, Showalter recently praised Bassitt on the Ryan Ripken show, calling him potentially "the best signing of the offseason." He highlighted Bassitt's ability to rise to big moments and manipulate the strike zone, describing him as a true baseball player who just happens to pitch.
Showalter's comments might resonate with Blue Jays fans who know Bassitt's value all too well. Over the past three seasons, Bassitt became a cornerstone of the Blue Jays' rotation and a key figure in the clubhouse. His leadership and performance were instrumental in the team's turnaround from a disappointing 2024 season to a triumphant 2025 World Series run.
Reflecting on the challenges of 2024, Bassitt shared his candid thoughts on the Chris Rose podcast, expressing his disappointment and the need for more superstar talent to support players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. His insights seemed to spark action within the Blue Jays organization, leading to strategic player additions and Guerrero Jr.'s significant contract extension, setting the stage for their 2025 success.
Now, as Bassitt brings his veteran presence to the Orioles, Baltimore is looking to bounce back from a down year. With promising young talent and impactful offseason additions like Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward, the Orioles are poised to make waves in 2026.
The upcoming matchups between the Blue Jays and Orioles promise to be intriguing, with Bassitt's presence adding an extra layer of excitement. As both teams gear up for a competitive season, fans can expect some captivating baseball action.