Orioles Secure Future with Extension for Samuel Basallo
A day after Samuel Basallo became the first young Baltimore Orioles player to sign a long-term contract extension before arbitration eligibility under the current regime, owner David Rubenstein suggested he won’t be the last. The Orioles celebrated the completion of an eight-year, $67 million deal with the rookie catcher during a press conference on Saturday, which was attended by most of Basallo’s teammates. Among them were shortstop Gunnar Henderson and also catcher Adley Rutschman, the first All-Stars selected by general manager Mike Elias. Despite salary increases of approximately $40 million in consecutive seasons, Baltimore’s inability to reach long-term agreements with Henderson, Rutschman, or other young regulars has exacerbated tensions during a disappointing season.Rubenstein expressed his disappointment with the Orioles’ record (59-69) entering Saturday. He highlighted the importance of this symbolic first step and the hope of replicating similar agreements in the future. Rutschman, who had an outstanding performance in his first years in the majors, had a slump towards the end of 2024 and has batted .227 during a 2025 season plagued by injuries. Now, the Orioles have committed to Basallo, who can also play at first base. Elias suggested that Basallo and Rutschman, who is under team control until the 2027 season, could coexist.Rubenstein assured the fans that it was not for lack of effort and that the extension with a 21-year-old player, who is the number 8 prospect in the game, according to MLB Pipeline, is part of a broader strategy.
David Rubenstein
Basallo, with only 16 at-bats in the Major Leagues before Saturday’s game against Houston, has already signed the third pre-arbitration extension for a rookie this season. Boston secured deals with outfielder Roman Anthony and second baseman Kristian Campbell.From my point of view, the more good players, the better. We have a lot of guys here, including Samuel, who are really good athletes and can play multiple positions. And the fact that we have multiple great receivers is a good thing. And we’re going to be able to put guys at first base and as designated hitters and share those at-bats.
Mike Elias
The Dominican Republic native is the first Orioles player to sign an extension before completing his arbitration years since outfielder Adam Jones agreed to a six-year, $85.5 million contract in 2012. Jones would have been a free agent after the 2013 season.Obviously, it’s life-changing money, and it’s a great blessing that God has bestowed upon my family. We still don’t know what we’re going to do. We know we have plans and people who are going to help us figure it out. But right now my focus is on playing baseball and doing everything I can to help the team win games.
Samuel Basallo
This is something that is not easy for the organization or the players, that’s part of it. That’s okay. But we work very hard on this. And whenever we think there’s an opportunity to align and make it make sense for both sides, it’s something we discuss and explore.
Mike Elias
