Orioles’ Chris Bassitt drops heartfelt admission on returning to Toronto

The Toronto Blue Jays are playing the Baltimore Orioles in a three-game series this weekend. Meaning it marks the return of former Toronto-turned-Baltimore pitcher Chris Bassitt, as well as coming back from injury.

On Saturday, Bassitt spoke candidly about what it’s like to come back to Toronto, per Sportsnet.

“This is a very, very special place to me” he said.

"This is a very, very special place to me."

Chris Bassitt speaks on the emotions of returning to Toronto. pic.twitter.com/0kzzP3OptH

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 6, 2026

In February, Bassitt signed a one-year $18.5 million contract with the Orioles. He is currently 4-4 with a 5.27 ERA and 34 strikeouts. Bassitt is coming off playing three seasons with the Blue Jays from 2023 to 2025.

During that stretch, Bassitt emerged into a venerable presence on the mound. In 2023, he tied the American League record for 16 wins in his first season. On May 12, Bassitt completed a nine inning shutout against the Atlanta Braves, marking the first nine-inning shutout for Blue Jays pitcher since Mark Buehrle in 2015.

He also tied Roger Clemens’ franchise record with nine scoreless starts in 6+ innings pitched.

In 2024, Bassitt was a nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, given to an MLB player for their philantrophic work. Bassitt and his wife Jessica run the “Bassitts Pitch In”, an organization aimed at making sports more accessible for young people.

Bassitt went 11-9 with a 3.96 ERA and 166 strikeouts as the Blue Jays went onto win the American League pennent. In the postseason, Bassitt came in seven games in relief and posted a 1.04 ERA with 10 strikeouts in 8.2 innings pitched.

He pitched 6.0 innings, struck out seven, and gave up one hit during the seven-game World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Bassitt is scheduled to return to the mound on Monday against the Seattle Mariners.

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