Were the Orioles too early in extending Basallo? | MAILBAG

Question: Rich, you have probably gotten this question a lot: Isn’t Samuel Basallo’s contract extension more than a bit long in duration, unjustifiably expensive, and premature for a player who has not had time to prove himself a well above average MLB starter? It is even more puzzling to me that he was awarded this generous contract before the proven and closer-to-free-agent eligibility players like Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman were extended. From: Stephen Cohen

Answer: Right you are, Steve. I’ve received many questions about Basallo’s extension. Many teams in baseball are extending extremely young players for what seems like a long time, and the Orioles are in on the trend.

Yes, extending a player who had played four major league games may be premature, but the amount of money, $67 million for eight years, is far less than a player with more service time would command.

Had they not extended Basallo, they will would have controlled him for six of those eight years, and in effect they’re buying out two of his free-agent years, three if his option for 2033 is picked up.

The Orioles are paying Basallo $1 million annually from 2026-2028, then $4 million, $7 million and $11 million from 2029-2031, which are his arbitration years, and $15 million in 2032 and 2033. In 2034, they hold a club option for $18 million or a $7 million buyout. They’ve also paid him a $5 million bonus.

It’s actually a club-friendly contract assuming Basallo lives up to his potential.

The Orioles don’t disclose their contract offers, and over the weekend both Henderson and Rutschman declined to comment on whether they’ve been offered extensions. I am confident that they’ve both been approached about extensions, but no deals have taken place.

Question: Do you think baseball will expand the rosters for an extra pitcher in an effort to cut down the number and extent of injuries? From: Charles Goldman, Silver Spring

Answer: Chuck, I don’t think the major leagues will add a roster spot to allow for another pitcher because they want more offense in baseball and another pitcher would give more advantage to pitchers.

Several years ago, the rosters were expanded to 26 from 25 and pitchers were limited to 13, and even with that many pitchers, injuries are on the rise. I don’t think adding another pitcher would stem the increase in pitching injuries.

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.