Chris Bassitt makes Orioles fans feel validated with free agency truth

Veteran starting pitcher Chris Bassitt met with reporters over the weekend after inking a one-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles and provided insight into his decision. As is the case with most free agents, Bassitt suggested one of the reasons why he chose Baltimore was to win a title, but he also explained that the connection to the Orioles was validated by the team's previous signing of Pete Alonso.

When the Orioles turned heads by signing Alonso during the Winter Meetings, the impression was that Baltimore was ready for a culture change. The hope is that Alonso can not only be the leading voice of influence for the players already on the Orioles' roster, but also a recruitment pitch for free agents.

Pete Alonso's impact to the Orioles already paying off behind the scenes

It may not have worked for Framber Valdez or Justin Verlander, but Bassitt pointed to Alonso as one reason the Orioles were appealing. Bassitt and Alonso were teammates with the New York Mets in 2022, and the slugging first baseman was left with quite the impression of the veteran starting pitcher.

"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."

It's been a rollercoaster offseason for Orioles fans. It started with a blitz of activity that resulted in Baltimore adding Alonso, Taylor Ward, Ryan Helsley, and Shane Baz. In recent weeks, the excitement has turned into concern, considering Elias was repeating several roster-construction mistakes that have plagued his tenure with the team.

Signing Bassitt adds to the underwhelming feeling Orioles fans have had of late, but it does provide a reminder of Alonso's impact.

Over the last year, it became clear that the Orioles lacked an adult in the room. That's nothing to hold against the veterans in the clubhouse, but it was clear the team lacked leadership. Alonso's arrival changes that, as the team is now attracting free agents who have their sights set on October.