Samuel Basallo, 21, is finalizing an eight-year, $67 million contract extension with the Baltimore Orioles that begins next season and includes a club option, with a maximum value of $88.5 million. Basallo rose rapidly through the minors after signing from the Dominican Republic in 2021 for $1.3 million, reaching Triple-A just after his 20th birthday and hitting .270/.377/.589 with 23 home runs in 76 Triple-A games this season. A left-handed power hitter with elite bat speed and exit velocities, he is regarded as one of baseball's top prospects and a potential 30-homer threat. He can play catcher, first base and designated hitter, giving Baltimore lineup flexibility. The extension is the largest pre-arbitration deal ever for a catcher and reflects the team's expanded Latin America scouting efforts.
A slugging left-handed hitter who was signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2021 for $1.3 million, Basallo is regarded by a number of evaluators as the best hitter in the minor leagues this season and has impressed in his short time in the big leagues. The deal, once completed, will begin next season and includes a club option as well. It can max out at $88.5 million and is the largest pre-arbitration extension for a catcher.
While Baltimore already has a starting catcher in two-time All-Star Adley Rutschman, Basallo could also see time at first base -- where he has played more than 100 games over his five minor league seasons -- and designated hitter. Regardless of where he winds up on the diamond, Basallo's allure has more to do with where he slots in Baltimore's order. With elite bat speed and exit velocities among the best at any level, Basallo has the talent to become a consistent 30-homer threat, according to evaluators.
Basallo, who turned 21 eight days ago, is the No. 4 overall prospect in baseball, according to ESPN's Kiley McDaniel. He jumped from Low-A to Double-A as an 18-year-old, reached Triple-A last year just after his 20th birthday and crushed Triple-A pitching this season, hitting .270/.377/.589 with 23 home runs in 76 games before his promotion.
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