Chris Bassitt Opens Up on Potential MLB Retirement Decision

Daniel Kucin Jr&period;-Imagn Images

Chris Bassitt Opens Up on Potential MLB Retirement Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Pardon Joshua | Last updated Oct 15, 2026 9:06 AM ET

Chris Bassitt wants to pitch in 2027, giving the veteran right-hander another opportunity to prove himself after an injury-interrupted first season with the Baltimore Orioles.

The 37-year-old made his intentions clear while discussing his future on the Ryan Ripken Show. Bassitt said he wants another season rather than ending his career after a year disrupted by a lower back injury that required surgery.

“I just want one more shot to kind of prove to everybody that, yeah, I might be 37 but watch how good I am real quick,” Bassitt said. “I definitely want one more year to kind of go out the way I want to,” according to Ryan Ripken’s post on X.

The comments point to a clear goal for Bassitt as he approaches the offseason. He wants another chance to show what he can do without the physical problems that interrupted his 2026 campaign.

Does Chris Bassitt have another year in him?

“I just want one more shot to kind of prove to everybody that, yeah, I might be 37 but watch how good I am real quick… I definitely want one more year to kind of go out the way I want to” pic.twitter.com/mL5rwpaDEy
— Ryan Ripken (@ryanripkenshow) October 14, 2026

Bassitt signed a one-year, $18.5 million contract with Baltimore in February after spending the previous three seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays. His first year with the Orioles did not go as planned, as lower back discomfort limited his availability and eventually required a procedure to remove a bone spur.

Before going on the injured list, Bassitt recorded a 5.27 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP across 12 appearances. He had struggled to find consistency while dealing with the back issue, which eventually sidelined him in June.

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Bassitt returned in August and finished the regular season with a 9-5 record and a 4.59 ERA across 20 appearances, including 18 starts. He logged 102 innings and struck out 74 batters, according to Baseball-Reference’s season statistics.

His late-season return offered a better finish after a lengthy absence. Bassitt also delivered encouraging outings in September, including 6 2/3 innings of one-run baseball against the New York Mets on Sept. 16.

The right-hander’s career record stands at 92-70 with a 3.71 ERA. He was an All-Star with the Oakland Athletics in 2021 and has established himself as a durable starter when healthy. His 2026 season, however, was a reminder of how quickly an injury can change a pitcher’s workload.

Bassitt’s desire to continue does not guarantee he will return to Baltimore. His one-year contract covered the 2026 season, leaving his next destination unresolved as he considers his options for 2027.

For now, Bassitt’s priority is clear. He wants another season to demonstrate that he can still pitch effectively at 37 and finish his career on his own terms.

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This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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