SARASOTA, Fla. -- Last Nov. 1, Chris Bassitt came so close to winning his first World Series championship. His Blue Jays took a lead into the bottom of the ninth inning in Game 7, before the Dodgers rallied for an 11-inning victory to capture their second consecutive title.
"I’m not over it," the soon-to-be 37-year-old Bassitt said Saturday morning. "I think the only way I can possibly can get over it is to win one."
As Bassitt discussed the pain that's left ample thoughts of "unfinished business" in his mind, the 11-year MLB veteran stood in a new clubhouse, the one inside the main building at the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota. Bassitt's time in Toronto is over. The veteran right-hander signed a one-year, $18.5 million contract with Baltimore -- a deal that was finalized late Friday -- and will begin his 12th season with his fifth team.
But Bassitt's primary motivator remains. There's no hiding why he chose to sign with the Orioles and join the team's Spring Training camp on Saturday.
"Obviously, one of the biggest reasons, the number one reason, is a chance to win. And not just win a couple games, but win a World Series," Bassitt said. "And I think this team has the ability to do that."
Bassitt isn't exclusively informing the media his objective of winning a World Series. He's telling his new teammates, too.
"He texted me and he said, ‘Let’s go win a title,'" right-hander Zach Eflin said. "And I was like, ‘Dude, you’re going to love it here. The guys are incredible.’"
Eflin and Bassitt have developed a close friendship off the field in recent years. Their families spend time together, and they've shared time on golf courses as well. Early Saturday morning, the two sat inside the O's clubhouse and chatted with each other, as well as veteran reliever Andrew Kittredge and righty Shane Baz.
Another familiar face for Bassitt is that of first baseman Pete Alonso, his Mets teammate in 2022. Bassitt said he communicated with Alonso and Eflin during the free-agent process, with those two key pieces of Baltimore's roster helping to influence Bassitt's decision.
"One of the big reasons why I came here was Pete," Bassitt said. "I know what he brings to the team."
"He’s a beauty. Chris is one of my all-time favorites," Alonso said. "Big personality. Just having that veteran presence is not just good for the pitching staff, but good for the whole clubhouse. He brings energy every day. He’s a bulldog out there, and I think he’s going to be a huge addition for us, not just in the regular season, but especially when we make that playoff stretch and that playoff run."
There it is again: The talk of a long October for the Orioles, who are coming off a 75-87 season and a last-place finish in the American League East that prompted their aggressiveness this past offseason. Bassitt became the potential final acquisition in a group that also included Alonso, Eflin, Kittredge, Baz, closer Ryan Helsley, outfielders Taylor Ward and Leody Taveras and utility man Blaze Alexander.
Bassitt stayed engaged with the O's throughout the offseason. The club shared its list of targets, letting Bassitt know where he stood and how scenarios could unfold as it looked to upgrade its pitching staff.
As the market developed, Bassitt ended up being among the final noteworthy pitching free agents remaining, until he agreed to terms on Wednesday. At that point, Bassitt knew he was joining a team that could help him achieve his goal of winning a World Series.
What made Bassitt so confident?
"The biggest thing, obviously, is just the talent in the room. You have to have the talent in the room, in which this team checks that box," Bassitt said. "You have to be tougher than any other team. On and off the field, you have to do things right. And then, you have to push each other, you have to look out for each other. You have to understand the dynamic of a team and what everyone’s going through so you can protect each other and things like that.
"I’m here to protect everybody so to speak. I know that. I’m here to help the rotation, help the bullpen, whatever they need to do. It’s just how close can we get, how much can we mesh together, how can we play the game the right way? And then, do things the right way on and off the field to make sure we’re healthy and happy."