What do you expect from Chris Bassitt this season?

The Orioles have generally received positive marks for their offseason with one common caveat—Baltimore failed to sign a true frontline starting pitcher. The team traded for Shane Baz, reunited with former Opening Day starter Zach Eflin, and inked the topic of today’s conversation to a one-year, $18.5 million deal.

Chris Bassitt figures to join a rotation with Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Baz, and Eflin. Tyler Wells and Dean Kremer remain in the mix as well. Bassitt falls short of an “ace” label, but he’s a solid addition to a unit that the organization believes will be a strength next season. The value of his addition likely depends on what you expect from Bassitt in 2026.

Baseball Reference projects Bassitt to pitch to a 10-10 record with a 4.06 ERA over 162 innings. They project a WHIP of 1.358, and anticipate 152 strikeouts and 57 walks. FanGraphs Depth Chart projections (combination of ZiPS and Steamer with playing time advocated by FG staff) project similar performance with an 11-10 record with 4.18 ERA over 176 innings. FGDC anticipates 29 of his 39 appearances to come from the rotation, and for Bassitt to be worth 1.9 WAR.

Bassitt appears to be locked into the rotation to begin the season, but a move to the bullpen isn’t out of the question. The 37-year-old made seven relief appearances for the Blue Jays last postseason with a 1.04 ERA. At a minimum, he’s a trusted veteran capable of helping the team reach the playoffs and succeed once it arrives.

Bassitt likely won’t match the output of former free agents Dylan Cease or Framber Valdez, but that doesn’t mean he can’t provide value for the Orioles. What are you expecting from Bassitt in 2026?