Aug 18, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (29) hits a two run RBI single during the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
The Orioles and rookie catcher Samuel Basallo have announced a contract extension, the first for the team under executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias.
The contract is reportedly for eight years and $67 million, with an option for 2034. Awards and incentives could make the deal worth as much as $88.5 million.
Basallo, who turned 21 on August 13th, debuted in the majors last Sunday. He’s played four games and is 4-for-14 (.286). Basallo had two RBIs in each of his first two games and a game-winning infield out in his third.
Basallo is not only the first player to be given an extension under Elias, but the first graduate of the Dominican Academy to make the major leagues.
On Thursday, after interim manager Tony Mansolino reported that Adley Rutschman was going on the 10-day injured list for a strained right oblique, he said Basallo would be the team’s regular catcher while Rutschman is out.
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