Braves reportedly outbid by Orioles for prized $18M veteran All-Star with major ties to franchise

The Atlanta Braves are hoping to return to the playoffs after being nowhere close last season. That disappointing campaign still lingers as Spring Training officially begins. The biggest issue was staying healthy, and early signs suggest it could once again be a problem.

“The Braves opened camp this morning with an unwelcome update on talented young righty Spencer Schwellenbach. He’s been placed on the 60-day injured list due to inflammation in his right elbow, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The team’s hope is that the 25-year-old is dealing with bone spurs and not something more nefarious,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams wrote.

With Schwellenbach heading to the injured list, the Braves were heavily linked to Chris Bassitt.

“As Braves assess impact of Schwellenbach's injury, worth noting that new ATL pitching coach Jeremy Hefner worked with unsigned FA Chris Bassitt when both were with the Mets. Bassitt has a reputation for being great in the clubhouse,” ESPN’s Buster Olney posted.

The expectation was that Atlanta would pursue Bassitt, especially with Hefner now in place as pitching coach. Instead, it was the Baltimore Orioles who finalized a deal for the veteran starter, beating out the Braves.

“Right-hander Chris Bassitt and the Baltimore Orioles are in agreement on a one-year, $18.5 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Bassitt, 36, joins an overhauled O’s rotation that also added Shane Baz and re-signed Zach Eflin to join Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers and Dean Kremer,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote.

This one stings, as Bassitt was arguably the most reliable starter left on the market. Now, he’ll be taking the ball every fifth day for Baltimore instead of Atlanta.

Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has to know the team missed out on a major arm here. Whether it’s Lucas Giolito or Zac Gallen they target next, a move needs to happen quickly before those options disappear as well.

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