Well Chris Bassitt is off the board with a 1 year $18.5 million deal with the Orioles after it really felt like Bassitt would land in Atlanta. The terms of that deal seems like it would have been fairly palatable to an Atlanta front office that loves a one year deal. I wonder if they have something else in the works for another player, perhaps on the trade market, but if they are unable to add another quality starter they may regret not beating that deal for Bassitt. I wouldn’t think the club would be in on Zac Gallen, who has a bit of a concerning profile and would cost the 26th overall pick in the draft to sign. There are a few free agent options still available, all likely worse than Bassitt, and the trade market is still a big unknown, although one that Alex Anthopoulos has been known to tap into. There is some urgency to add a starter at this point, with Spencer Schwellenbach’s injury and Spring Training under way, particularly if their preferred option is not already in camp with another team.
Braves News
Walt Weiss shared that Joe Jimenez may not be back this season, and honestly his career may be over at this point. Good for him to get a decent contract before suffering serious knee issues.
Sam explored some potential trade targets on the starting pitcher market, as Chris Bassitt signed a deal with Baltimore that the Braves may regret not beating if they are unable to add another quality starter in the coming days.
Our prospect team took a look at the top tools on the position player side in the Braves’ farm system.
USA Today projected a lackluster season for the Braves in 2026, finishing third in the division.
Mark Bowman wrote up an update on Grant Holmes and his health status coming back from a partial UCL tear.
MLB News
The Orioles signed starter Chris Bassitt to a 1 year $18.5 million deal, taking one of the last quality starter options off the free agent market.
Mets’ star shortstop Francisco Lindor will get surgery on his hand for a hamate fracture, an injury notorious for sapping power from hitters, placing his availability for Opening Day in question.
The Dodgers re-signed reliever Evan Phillips to a 1 year $6.5 million deal.
Diamondbacks’ star Corbin Carroll also broke his hamate bone and will require surgery.
The Nationals added an innings-eater in Miles Mikolas on a $2.25 million deal.
Liam Hendriks signed with the Twins on a minor league deal.
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