Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Chris Bassitt

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Chris Bassitt

How Chris Bassitt built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Chris Bassitt is an American professional baseball pitcher currently a free agent. He debuted in MLB in 2014 with the Chicago White Sox and has since played for the Oakland Athletics, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays. Prior to his professional career, Bassitt was a standout athlete in both basketball and baseball at Genoa Area High School and later excelled at the University of Akron before beginning his MLB career.

2009: Closer for Akron Zips

In 2009, as a redshirt freshman, Chris Bassitt served as the closer for the Akron Zips baseball team. He achieved a 1–2 record, a 3.52 ERA, and seven saves.

2011: Drafted by the Chicago White Sox

In 2011, Chris Bassitt was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 16th round of the Major League Baseball draft.

2013: Named All-Star and promoted to Birmingham Barons

In 2013, Chris Bassitt was named an all-star with the Winston-Salem Dash and was later promoted to the Birmingham Barons. He transitioned to a starting pitcher role.

August 30, 2014: MLB Debut

On August 30, 2014, Chris Bassitt made his major league debut with the Chicago White Sox in a start against the Detroit Tigers.

2014: Traded to the Oakland Athletics

After the 2014 season, Chris Bassitt was traded to the Oakland Athletics from the Chicago White Sox.

2014: MLB Debut with the White Sox

In 2014, Chris Bassitt made his Major League Baseball debut with the Chicago White Sox.

2015: Promoted to Major Leagues

In 2015, Chris Bassitt was promoted to the major leagues by the Oakland Athletics on April 23 after starting the season with the Nashville Sounds.

June 9, 2018: Return to A's Rotation

On June 9, 2018, Chris Bassitt was recalled to the A's rotation, marking his first start in 2 years after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

May 27, 2021: First Complete Game

On May 27, 2021, Chris Bassitt threw his first career complete game against the Los Angeles Angels, allowing just 2 hits and striking out 9.

March 12, 2022: Traded to the New York Mets

On March 12, 2022, Chris Bassitt was traded from the Athletics to the New York Mets.

November 8, 2022: Opted Out of Contract

On November 8, 2022, Chris Bassitt opted out of his contract with the New York Mets and elected free agency.

December 16, 2022: Signed with the Toronto Blue Jays

On December 16, 2022, Chris Bassitt signed a three-year, $63 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.

May 12, 2023: Complete-Game Shutout with Blue Jays

On May 12, 2023, Chris Bassitt threw a complete-game shutout for the Toronto Blue Jays, allowing only 2 hits.

2023: Contract Buyout

In 2023, Chris Bassitt received a $150,000 buyout after opting out of his contract with the New York Mets.

2024: 2024 Season Performance

In the 2024 season, Chris Bassitt had a 10-14 record and a 4.16 ERA with 102 strikeouts in 171 innings.

February 13, 2026: Signed with the Baltimore Orioles

On February 13, 2026, Chris Bassitt signed a one-year, $18.5 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles.