SARASOTA – The deal is done.

The signing of starting pitcher Chris Bassitt to a one-year contract became official tonight. He passed a physical and signed for $18.5 million.

Bassitt received a $3 million signing bonus and can earn $500,000 in incentives if he starts 27 games, according to a source.

An agreement was reached Wednesday night with Bassitt, who turns 37 later this month and leaves the Orioles with a happy complication – figuring out how to fit an excess of starters into their rotation.

They hope that an injury or two doesn’t solve it.

Bassitt has made 27, 30, 33, 31 and 31 starts in the past five seasons. He registered a 3.96 ERA last summer with Toronto, made seven relief appearances in the playoffs and allowed one run and three hits with 10 strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings.

Lower back inflammation forced Bassitt on the injured list in September and he didn’t return until the American League Championship Series.

Bassitt’s 232 career appearances between the White Sox (2014), Athletics (2015-21), Mets (2022) and Blue Jays (2023-25) resulted in a 83-65 record and 3.64 ERA with 1,191 strikeouts. He earned his first career All-Star Game selection in 2021 and is one of seven major league pitchers to make at least 30 starts in each of the past four seasons.

His 16 wins in 2023 tied current Orioles teammate Zach Eflin for the American League lead, while his 33 starts tied five others for first. 

“He’s a beauty,” said first baseman Pete Alonso, a teammate with the Mets. “Chris is one of my all-time favorites. 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 gonna be a huge addition for us, not just in the regular season but especially when we make that playoff stretch and that playoff run. I think having his experience and his vast baseball knowledge is gonna be huge.

“He’s a great personality, he’s a great human being. He’s gonna fit really well with this group of guys for sure.”

Pursuits of Ranger Suárez and Framber Valdez ended without an agreement, and the Orioles also reportedly had interest in Justin Verlander, among others, for the back end of their rotation. Bassitt can slot anywhere from third to fifth.

Eflin, Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Shane Baz and Dean Kremer also are healthy in camp. Eflin underwent back surgery in August but threw another bullpen session today with Kremer.

Tyler Wells is expected to work in a relief role despite his past success as a starter.

The 40-man roster is full with Bassitt’s signing.