Basallo on Orioles’ future: ‘A lot of us in this room have superstar potential’

Among the most surprising developments of the 2025 season was that the Orioles extended their 21-year-old catcher/first baseman Samuel Basallo after just five days in the major leagues.

It wasn’t a surprise when Basallo was promoted to the majors on August 17^th, four days after turning 21.

But the eight-year, $67 million contract that includes a club option for 2034 was a shocker.

Fans have been debating who would receive the first extension from president of baseball operations Mike Elias. Some thought it would be catcher Adley Rutschman. Others hoped shortstop Gunnar Henderson, and still others were guessing third baseman Jordan Westburg.

Instead, Elias surprised everyone with the deal that avoids the messy possibility of arbitration and takes away two, or possibly three years of Basallo’s free agency.

Even if the Orioles exercise the $18 million option, Basallo can still be a free agent at age 30.

In his first six weeks in the majors, Basallo hit .165, ending the season hitless in his last 15 at-bats.

“Many things to work on, many things that the game has taught me, so I think going into this offseason, I’m going to focus on a number of different things to work on,” Basallo said through a team translator last weekend at Yankee Stadium.

“I’m not sure if they made any specific adjustments themselves, but I think if they did, good for them.”

Basallo delivered some key hits, homering against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth inning for an Orioles win, and four days later, delivering an RBI single in the 11^th against Pittsburgh for another win.

In just his third game, at Fenway Park, Basallo’s dribbler allowed Jeremiah Jackson to score the eventual winning run.

He had four home runs and 15 RBIs, but struck out 30 times and walked just six.

“My dream came true this year, so I think it’s obviously a great thing, but I wouldn’t say I’m satisfied with the overall results of the season,” he said. “There are a lot of things I need to work on and get better at, so looking to do those things.”

Basallo became the first Latin American player signed by Elias to play in the majors and showed great maturity for such a young player.

“I wouldn’t say I’m surprised, but there are definitely adjustments to be made,” he said. ‘Obviously, it’s a new level to adapt to. I think there are a couple of things I had to get used to and work on.

“Overall, I’m very thankful for this organization giving me this opportunity to be up here and experience this and learn a lot from this. Just looking forward to putting in the work and trying to win a championship here.”

One of the big issues next spring training will be determining Basallo’s playing time. How much will he catch? Will he platoon with Coby Mayo at first?

Because Rutschman was out with a strained right oblique for almost all the time Basallo was up, he ended up catching much more than he would have had Rutschman been healthy.

Basallo started 20 games behind the plate, only two at first base and seven as the designated hitter.

“I don’t think anyone wants to get more playing time because your teammate is out with an injury, but I think with that being said, I think it was a very valuable time for me,” Basallo said.

“I was able to learn a lot from being out on the field. I think it was good that the organization was able to see me catch a number of games, and even those outside the organization, so looking forward to next year, I’m looking forward to being back there with him and looking forward to seeing how we divide our time back there, very excited about it.”

Basallo showed off a nice arm, throwing out five of 13 runners attempting to steal, 38.5 percent.

Last Saturday, Basallo played in his final game of 2025. He knew that Rutschman, who returned for the final week of games, would play on Sunday. After the game, he reflected in the dugout for a time.

“I think my results haven’t been the best this year,” Basallo said. “Sometimes, it’s good to have the space to sit down and think a little bit. I was able to do that yesterday, just take a moment for myself and think about a few different things.”

Basallo remains optimistic about the Orioles.

“I think we’re a very talented group,” he said. “A lot of us in this room have superstar potential. I think, looking forward to next year, I think we’re going to come in with a different chemistry, come back feeling a lot more united. I think we’re going to do to get this team right and playing well and looking forward to winning a championship.”

Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com.