Could Basallo catch for the Orioles in 2025? | MAILBAG

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.

Question: Do you think the Orioles’ plans for Samuel Basallo are to catch him next year and move Adley Rutschman to first base or DH? From: Douglas Senft 

Answer: Douglas, I don’t think the Orioles are looking for Basallo to supplant Rutschman next year as the regular catcher. Basallo won’t turn 20 until August 13^th and has played the entire season at Double-A Bowie. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Basallo is promoted to Triple-A Norfolk in the next few weeks.

Basallo may need an entire season with Norfolk, and once he comes up, he could be a backup to Rutschman, play some first base and be the DH. Having two elite catchers shouldn’t be a problem and should be a major plus.

Question:  Any update on the Oriole Baseball Academy in the Dominican Republic? Have the Orioles cornered the market in that country with this new facility? Have any of the young participants made an impact and been promoted to any low Oriole minor league franchises? From:  David Brown in Olney

Answer: Dave, the Dominican Academy opened in January. I was unable to attend its opening, but I understand it’s an excellent facility, but other teams also have a presence in the Dominican Republic.

Samuel Basallo is the closest of the young Dominicans to reach the major leagues, though some of those who have signed in recent years are playing at High-A Aberdeen and more at Single-A Delmarva.