Chris Bassitt's emotional World Series answer shows he'll always carry Blue Jays scar

Though he's now plying his trade for the Baltimore Orioles — the fifth team in his long MLB career — Chris Bassitt remains something of an honorary member of the Toronto Blue Jays. At least, that's how he feels after the team, which was so tightly knit in the clubhouse, barely failed to get over the hump in the 2025 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"I'm not over it," Bassitt told reporters at Orioles spring camp. "I think the only possible way I could get over it is to win one. I don't think I'll ever get over that [loss]."

Without trying to evoke too many painful memories, Blue Jays fans will remember that the team came within two outs of securing that Game 7 win. Bassitt was leaned on heavily in the Fall Classic, making five appearances which included one inning of one-run ball in the finale.

Though Bassitt believes the best medicine for his pain will be winning a championship, Blue Jays fans will have no choice but to root against him and the division rivals Orioles in 2026.

Chris Bassitt, Orioles will be stern opponent in Blue Jays' quest for redemption in 2026

Over the past three seasons in Toronto, Bassitt compiled a 3.89 ERA and 4.13 FIP in 541 1/3 frames. He moved to the bullpen during the Blue Jays' postseason run, but still authored a 1.04 ERA in 8 2/3 innings in October.

Still, everyone knew he was better suited for work as a starting pitcher (he's proven remarkably durable throughout his career), and the Blue Jays had no need for his services after signing Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce in free agency. Thus, after lingering on the market for far longer than expected, Bassitt ended up in the waiting hands of the O's.

The soon-to-be 37-year-old right-hander joins fellow offseason acquisition Shane Baz as a figurehead of Baltimore's revamped rotation. Backed by an offense that features Pete Alonso, Taylor Ward, Gunnar Henderson, and Adley Rutschman, the Orioles are well-positioned to be a major factor in the AL East race once again after their poor showing in 2025.

While there won't be any love lost if and when Bassitt takes the mound against the Blue Jays this year, it's clear that the loss had a profound impact on everyone in Toronto. Hopefully that will prove as enough motivation to avenge said loss... even if Bassitt isn't a part of the redemption story.