Spring training in Florida always brings its fair share of surprises, but few could have predicted just how eventful February 24, 2026, would be for the Baltimore Orioles. While one squad was busy racking up runs against the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers, the real buzz was back in Sarasota, where the Orioles’ newest veteran, Chris Bassitt, was making his first live batting practice appearance—and exchanging some classic trash talk with an old friend.
The Orioles split their squad for the day, sending a group to Fort Myers to face the Twins. The contest started with a bang: the O’s exploded for a six-run first inning, setting the tone for what would become a convincing 10-5 victory. Leody Tavares was the star of the show, going 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, two runs scored, two RBI, and even swiping a base for good measure. Not to be outdone, Luis Vázquez chipped in with two hits, including a double, and a stolen base. Coby Mayo kept the line moving with two singles, a run scored, and an RBI, while Jeremiah Jackson delivered a 2-for-3 performance, driving in two and crossing the plate once himself.
On the mound, Albert Suárez got the start, tossing two innings and allowing a run on three hits and a walk—though he didn’t record a strikeout. Ryan Helsley, making his first appearance at Orioles spring training, worked a scoreless inning. Helsley, who’s reportedly added a splitter to his arsenal this spring, is hoping the new pitch will help him counter left-handed hitters, a weakness that plagued him during his stint with the Mets last season.
But as impressive as the performance in Fort Myers was, most of the intrigue was happening at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. There, Chris Bassitt was facing Orioles hitters in his first live BP session since signing a one-year, $18.5 million deal with Baltimore just weeks ago. Facing a group that included Tyler O’Neill, Gunnar Henderson, Taylor Ward, Thairo Estrada, and, most notably, Pete Alonso, Bassitt had a chance to reacquaint himself with his former Mets teammate.
Alonso, known for his boisterous personality, didn’t disappoint. His trash talk was, by all accounts, the loudest in the clubhouse over the past two weeks. As Bassitt took the mound, Alonso accused him of “ducking” him to face the left-handed Henderson instead. Bassitt, grinning, retorted, “I ain’t ducking,” before getting Alonso to ground out on the first pitch. Later, as Alonso returned to the plate, he managed only a fly ball to center—eliciting a groan from the slugger. “You knew what was coming,” Bassitt told Alonso. “I told you, ‘One pitch.’”
Asked about the banter afterward, Bassitt simply said, “Pete knows. Yeah, Pete knows.” The playful rivalry between the two was a highlight for teammates and fans alike, adding a sense of levity to the grind of preseason preparations.
Beyond the on-field antics, Bassitt’s arrival in Baltimore has brought a new level of professionalism and mentorship to the Orioles’ clubhouse. The 11-year big league veteran, who posted a 3.96 ERA in 32 games for the Blue Jays last season, is expected to provide stability to a rotation that’s seen its fair share of youthful arms and question marks. Manager Craig Albernaz praised Bassitt’s impact, noting, “These guys always pay it forward. That’s what makes this game great, and Bassitt exemplifies that, where he’s been through a lot, he’s battle tested, so he has all the experiences to share with any pitcher, but especially our young guys.”
Bassitt has taken a particular shine to working with left-hander Cade Povich, a promising 25-year-old with limited big league experience. The two have been playing catch, experimenting with grips, and discussing pitching strategies both in the dugout and at their lockers. Povich appreciates the guidance: “He’s played this game for a long time, and I think that’s what we all strive to do. He’s definitely a guy I’m going to continue to listen to, and it’s been great playing catch with him and him coming to me to have some conversations, trying to make me better, but the rest of the staff as well.”
Bassitt, for his part, relishes the chance to mentor the next generation. “A lot of those guys are really, really talented. Now it’s just trying to see kind of what we need to clean up, and then, obviously, learning them and maximizing their strengths,” Bassitt said. “A lot of those guys, I think they don’t even realize how talented they are yet. It’s just keeping everyone accountable and hungry and just getting them ready for what’s lying ahead.”
It’s not all about the kids, though. Bassitt remains focused on his own preparation, noting that live BP sessions against teammates aren’t his favorite part of ramping up for the season. “I don’t like facing our hitters. You can’t really work a lot of what you want to do,” he explained. “Just nothing really to gain from me to face our hitters in the aspect of I’m not trying to throw in and work things. I’m protecting them, they’re protecting me. So it’s just more so just getting reps. ... It’s just making sure that I’m physically in the right spot. I feel really, really good right now.”
That’s music to Orioles fans’ ears, especially with the club hoping Bassitt can anchor a rotation that’s brimming with potential but short on proven track records. His experience, both as a pitcher and as a mentor, is already paying dividends in spring camp. As manager Albernaz put it, “That’s what makes this game great.”
Meanwhile, the Orioles are set to host the Rays at Ed Smith Stadium today, with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 PM. Many of the club’s “A squad” hitters are expected back in the lineup, at least for a few innings. With spring training in full swing, the Orioles are showing early signs of a team that’s blending veteran leadership with youthful exuberance—a recipe that could make for an exciting season ahead.
With the split squad’s strong showing against the Twins and Bassitt’s positive influence in the clubhouse, Baltimore’s spring training is off to a promising start. The action continues, and all eyes are on the Orioles as they build toward Opening Day.