Breaking MLB News: Orioles Hand Out Massive Extension to Rookie

It didn't take long for the Baltimore Orioles to see what they had in top prospect and young catcher Samuel Basallo. Just four games into his tenure with the O's, including three starts behind the plate, Baltimore has signed the 21-year-old to a record-breaking eight-year, $67 million contract.

BREAKING: Catcher Samuel Basallo and the Baltimore Orioles are finalizing an eight-year, $67 million contract extension, sources tell ESPN. Basallo, who just turned 21, is one of the best prospects in baseball, and less than a week after being called up, he has a long-term deal.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 22, 2025

The contract is the largest ever pre-arbitration deal for a catcher. It includes a club option for 2034 and could go as high as $88.5 million with incentives and escalators for playing time and awards.

The 6'4" backstop was the No. 8 prospect in all of baseball prior to the callup, and he's already proving his value. Basallo is 4-for-14 with five RBIs in four games since being promoted Sunday.

His minor league numbers have been excellent, with a slash line of .283/.366/.498 with 73 home runs in 401 games.

The big question now is what happens to Adley Rutschman and who will start at catcher for the Orioles going forward? He was once the top catching prospect in baseball as well, but is having a down season, batting just .227, and is currently on the IL with an oblique injury. That will give Basallo plenty of run to take the job.

But the rookie can also play first base, and that could quite likely be his position for the future.