AL East team steals starter from division rival
The Baltimore Orioles finally added a free agent pitcher to their rotation, agreeing to a one-year, $18.5 million contract with right-hander Chris Bassitt, ESPN first reported.
Bassitt, who turns 37 Feb. 22, was a reliable cog in the Toronto Blue Jays’ rotation the past three seasons, posting a 3.89 ERA and pitching at least 170 innings each season.
That reliability was certainly attractive to the Orioles, who will be relying on a trio of starters who underwent elbow surgery over the past three years.
Bassitt will slide somewhere between Kyle Bradish, lefty Trevor Rogers and trade acquisition Shane Baz in the Orioles rotation. Innings eater Dean Kremer moves to the fifth spot.
Bassitt also performed well out of the bullpen in the Blue Jays’ run to Game 7 of the World Series, giving up just one earned run in seven postseason appearances. He also reached the playoffs with Oakland and the New York Mets.
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