MLB Rumors: Orioles Linked To Big Name Pitcher This Offseason

The Baltimore Orioles made some big steps this season, adding some top prospects to the roster, and even making a charge for a Wild Card spot until the season's final week. This winter, it'll be time to spend some big cash to get them to the next level.

According to MLB Insider Joel Sherman, they'll be going all-out for big-time starting pitchers, and names the New York Mets' Chris Bassitt as a target:

"Watch out for the Orioles." 👀@Joelsherman1 predicts which clubs he sees being big spenders this upcoming offseason.#MLBCentral | #Birdland pic.twitter.com/5pAMFO4o07

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 6, 2022

 "The low-radar team: Watch out for the Orioles," said Sherman. "All their good young players—Rutschman.. Mullins, Hays.. they have no money (tied up)... John Means is the only guy signed next year. They're going to get one or two veteran starters and try to make a play in the AL East... I think it's (most) likely to be Chris Bassitt."

Bassitt has had a very nice first season with the Mets after establishing himself as a top-of-the-rotation starter the past few years in Oakland. In 2022, Bassitt has helped hold the Mets' rotation together during various injuries to Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer. Bassitt went 15-9 with a 3.42 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP, along with a 167:49 K/BB ratio. Those numbers are all pretty much in line with his 8-year career averages.

In May, Bassitt and the Mets agreed on a one-year $8.8M deal to avoid arbitration. The contract has a mutual option of $19M for 2023, but given the going rate for top-end starters, and the strong season he put up, it's likely Bassitt will opt out and become a free agent.

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