It hasnât been a healthy season for the Baltimore Orioles after showing some promise in the last two years with a combined record of 192-132. There was potential for the young roster to challenge the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays for the AL East. Instead, the Orioles are currently in last place in the division.Â
The Orioles are bracing for a more aggressive approach for next season with a more reliable roster. Baltimore is already setting up the roster for the long run with the extension of a reliable prospect.
Samuel Basallo Brings the Orioles Help in a Down Season
On Friday, the Orioles gave catcher and designated hitter Samuel Basallo an eight-year; $67 million extension. This comes after Basallo played a handful of games for Baltimore after being called up to the 40-man roster. In those handful of games, Basallo has been a reliable playmaker.
Basallo has been a developing prospect for the organization since joining in 2021. In 76 Triple-A games this year, Basallo has accumulated 49 runs, 73 hits, 23 home runs, 67 RBIs, 44 walks, and only 76 strikeouts in 270 at-bats. During this time, he has accounted for a .270 batting average, an on-base percentage of .377, and a slugging percentage of .589.
This impressive run allowed him to play in the major leagues for the first time in his career. Basallo has accounted for one run, four hits, five RBIs, and only one strikeout in 14 at-bats in the four games played for the Orioles. During this game span, he has accounted for a batting average of .286, an on-base percentage of .333, and a slugging percentage of .357. He joins Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony as one of the most recent prospects to sign an extension contract less than 100 days after making their first appearance in the major leagues.Â
Why Did the Orioles Extend Samuel Basallo so Quickly?
MLB Networkâs Jon Morosi talked about the decision from the Orioles and why it was so sudden..
“It’s been a handful of games, but they know how special Basallo is. He has played some first place in the minor league too…..The important and Michael Elias knew this for a long time, is that bat is going to play. You’ve seen what he’s done at Triple-A, a .966 OPS. When you’re a left-handed catcher and first-baseman and you’re 6-4, that is the kind of player that you want to have locked up long-term.”
The reality is especially when you compare him to Roman Anthony and Jackson Chourio. That is the elite level of ability that you’re talking about here. A left-handed hitting catcher to have that level of patience and power and polish at the age of 21 are rare. When you get a chance to secure that player for eight years, you do it.
Morosi talked about how the Orioles are right there competing in the American League.
“You think about what’s not gone great for the Orioles. There are plenty of them but the way that Basallo has advanced through the system and has now made his debut, there’s some positive signs to this team as well to where once they get this positional player group healthy going, maybe add some pitching this winter. It doesn’t have to be a rebuild for the Orioles to get back into contention in the American League.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Orioles Send Clear Message on Samuel Basallo After Short Stint appeared first on Heavy Sports.