SARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles got their starting pitcher.

They just had to keep working at it.

After months of rumors and speculation about possible top-of-the-rotation pitchers coming to Baltimore, a deal was struck with right-hander Chris Bassitt to fill out the back portion and further improve the depth. A source has confirmed the news.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the agreement is for $18.5 million in 2026 and includes a $3 million signing bonus and $500,000 in incentives if Bassitt starts 27 games. An announcement will come after Bassitt, 36, passes his physical.

Bassitt has made 27, 30, 33, 31 and 31 starts in the past five seasons. He owns a 3.64 ERA in 11 seasons with the White Sox, Athletics, Mets and Blue Jays. 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.

MLBTradeRumors.com ranked Bassitt as the No. 24 free agent on the market and predicted a two-year, $38 million contract after he completed a three-year, $63 million deal with Toronto.

By paying Bassitt $18.5 million, the Orioles have pushed their Opening Day payroll to $166 million, per Roster Resource. They’ve guaranteed north of $200 million in free agent spending.

The Orioles have an opening on their 40-man roster and won’t need a corresponding move for Bassitt, who made 11 career starts against them and posted a 5.10 ERA.

Bassitt has an expansive arsenal of pitches: sinker, cutter, curveball, four-seam fastball, sweeper, split-finger, slider and changeup. Catchers Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo will be kept busy.

Pursuits of Ranger Suárez and Framber Valdez ended without an agreement, and the Orioles also reportedly had interest in Justin Verlander before he signed with the Tigers. Bassitt could slot anywhere from third to fifth in a rotation that’s now overflowing.

Kyle Bradish seems more certain to start on Opening Day, followed by Trevor Rogers. Shane Baz was acquired in a trade with the Rays, and the Orioles also have Dean Kremer and Zach Eflin, the latter returning from August back surgery and a full-go in camp.

Tyler Wells, Cade Povich and Brandon Young provide other options. Albert Suárez returned on a minor league deal and can start or relieve.