Rubenstein on Basallo extension: ‘A catalyst for the next exciting period of Orioles baseball’

BALTIMORE—The Orioles’ announcement of the eight-year contract extension for rookie catcher Samuel Basallo is a huge moment for the franchise.

The reported $67 million contract, with an option for 2034, is unique for the Orioles because it’s being signed by a 21-year-old who’s played just four games in the major leagues. Basallo is also the first Latin American player signed by executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias and vice president/international scouting Koby Perez.

“The agreement with Samuel is just a catalyst for the next exciting period of Orioles baseball,” Orioles control owner David Rubenstein said. “I thank Mike Elias, Koby Perez, and the entire baseball operations group for their effort and diligence in securing Samuel as a key piece of the future of the organization.”

Said Elias: “We are thrilled to agree with Samuel long-term and are delighted about what this means for him and his family. His debut and this extension are big achievements for our organization, beginning with the work of our international scouting staff and carried forward successfully by our entire player development operation.  I thank the ownership group, led by David Rubenstein, for supporting our investment in Samuel as we pursue consistent success on the field, now and in the future.”

Interim manager Tony Mansolino decided to sit Basallo for Friday night’s game against Houston.

“It’s a big deal,” Mansolino said. “Sammy wants to be here in Baltimore. Hopefully, in the future, there’s other guys, too who want to be here as well. It’s a big deal for the organization. Hopefully, it’s a big steppingstone for us.”

Basallo was working out at first base on Friday afternoon.

“Excited about the bat. Excited about the possibilities defensively, both behind the dish and at first base,” Mansolino said. “Excited to get him in a game at first base in the coming days. He’s a really good player. He seems to really fit in with the group of players that’s here. There’s a unique bond for a lot of that clubhouse because so many of them were developed through our player development system.

“We love veteran players. We had a lot that were traded away here recently.  We’d love to have more in the future, but for the rest of the season, it’s a really young group in there right now, and it’s a really easy way with players that you relate to, age-wise and generationally.”

Mansolino said he saw a number of players greet Basallo when he entered the clubhouse.

“Great joy for Sammy in a lot of ways and great leadership by some of those guys,” Mansolino said. “I wouldn’t expect anything different.”

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