The second full day of spring training delivered the sort of injury updates that inevitably raise early-camp questions. But it was the news from the night before that shifted the tone in Sarasota.
Last night, the Baltimore Orioles and right-hander Chris Bassitt agreed to a one-year, $18.5 million contract, pending a physical. The deal includes a $3 million signing bonus and a $500,000 incentive if he reaches 27 starts.
If finalized, Bassitt’s arrival would further deepen a rotation that already featured enviable options and could alter how manager Craig Albernaz structures his staff.
“We are probably going to explore everything,” Albernaz said, noting he cannot comment on Bassitt until the deal is official. “We want to make sure we are putting our players in the best chance to succeed. A six-man rotation might be an option or a five-man. It all depends. We are talking through everything. We just want to be prepared.”
Live batting practice offered an early glimpse at that depth. Kyle Bradish, Tyler Wells, Ryan Helsley, Cade Povich, Brandon Young and Cameron Weston all took the mound.
Bradish surrendered a line drive single to Colton Cowser before striking out Pete Alonso. Helsley was particularly sharp, retiring all five hitters he faced, including Tyler O’Neill and Dylan Beavers.
Alonso continued to inject energy into camp, calling pitches, hyping teammates and embracing the competitive back-and-forth. He capped his round with a home run off Wells and later took grounders alongside Ryan Mountcastle — all while singing Blink-182.
“He was mixing in with the PFP group, working hard, chirping and having fun,” Albernaz said. “That is the energy we need, especially in live BP. We are challenging our guys to talk a little and not be afraid to talk back. It gets the competitive juices flowing, keeps guys accountable and adds some lightness to it.”
Heston Kjerstad, whose 2025 season was cut short due to exhaustion, is a full participant this spring. He faces a crowded competition for at-bats. O’Neill, Beavers, Tyler Ward and Cowser headline the outfield mix, while Kjerstad could also compete for opportunities alongside Coby Mayo, Jeremiah Jackson, Blaze Alexander, Reed Trimble and Leody Taveras.
It is a roster squeeze that feels even tighter than when the Orioles dealt Kyle Stowers and Connor Norby for Trevor Rogers two seasons ago. Still, Albernaz welcomes the depth.
“There are a lot of games in spring training, starting February 20,” he said. “Not everyone in that building is playing the first or second game. We have to figure out the proper buildup for each guy and where they are at, not only physically but skill-wise.”
SIDE NOTES:
- With the addition of Bassitt, the Orioles’ projected payroll sits at $169.1 million, 15th in Major League Baseball.
- Right-hander Anthony Nunez is in his first major league camp after going 1–4 with a 3.45 ERA and four saves in 16 appearances at Triple-A Norfolk. The 24-year-old, who was acquired last season in the Cedric Mullins trade with the New York Mets, was added to the 40-man roster earlier this offseason.
- Alonso, O’Neill, Beavers, Kjerstad, Henderson, Cowser, Mayo, Rutschman and Willems all participated in live batting practice today.
- Kjerstad celebrated a birthday today, turning 27 years old.
With anticipation building around Bassitt’s physical and the remainder of the roster reporting, players moved through defensive drills, batting work and live reps, greeted fans and even found time for the putting green outside the complex.
In a camp defined by expectations, sometimes the best development is a quiet day.
Be sure to return tomorrow for day four of SpringNotes. Until next time, Birdland, keep the beer cold and at the ready. In eight days, the first spring game will be underway.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, X, Bluesky and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
Represent The Baltimore Battery and show off your fandom with our official merchandise! Reasonably-priced attire made just for you! Visit our official shop site by clicking here!
Like Stephen’s content? Follow him on X – @SRJHeckman, and listen to the official podcast of The Baltimore Battery, The Final Strike, anywhere you get your podcasts!
THE BALTIMORE BATTERY 
Leave a comment