HOUSTON -- On Friday, Orioles rookie right-hander Brandon Young came within four outs of a perfect game. On Saturday, Baltimore called up outfielder Dylan Beavers (the club’s No. 3 prospect per MLB Pipeline), who then made his big league debut.
What better way to complete the weekend than by recalling an even bigger prospect?
The O’s called up Samuel Basallo (the team’s No. 1 prospect and the No. 8 prospect in baseball) for Sunday’s series finale vs. the Astros at Daikin Park. Basallo is in Sunday's lineup as the designated hitter, batting sixth.
In a series of corresponding moves, Baltimore reinstated outfielder Colton Cowser from the 7-day concussion injured list, optioned outfielder Daniel Johnson and 1B/OF Ryan Noda to Triple-A Norfolk and transferred RHP Zach Eflin to the 60-day injured list.
A 21-year-old catcher/first baseman out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Basallo has been among the most exciting players in the Orioles’ farm system in recent years. He has quickly climbed the Minor League ranks, putting himself in prime position for this promotion.
The left-handed-hitting Basallo’s bat is his calling card. The youngster slashed .270/.377/.589 with 17 doubles, 23 home runs and 67 RBIs in 76 games for Triple-A Norfolk this season. The 6-foot-4 slugger hit .310 (26-for-84) with nine doubles, seven homers, 29 RBIs and a 1.050 OPS in 20 games from July 4-Aug. 15.
“It’s crazy. I don’t know if I’ve seen anyone hit like that ever. He’s really good at hitting. What you see is what I see,” Beavers said Saturday afternoon. “Hopefully, we’ll see him soon. He’s really good, so he belongs here.”
Making an emotional moment even more special, the Orioles had Basallo's father, Jairo Basallo, call to inform his son he was being promoted to the Majors, while the young slugger sat with Norfolk manager Tim Federowicz.
Baltimore was being patient in calling up Basallo not only because of its focus on his development, but also to get him more reps at catcher. A pair of injuries earlier this year (right elbow inflammation and a left hamstring strain) prevented him from catching until May 13.
Basallo has since gotten 33 starts behind the plate, boosting his Triple-A career total to 43.
It shouldn’t be too difficult for the Orioles to get both Basallo and All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman in the same lineup on a consistent basis. They’ll each get starts behind the plate and at designated hitter, while Basallo could also play some first -- though Coby Mayo and Ryan Mountcastle can handle the bulk of the work there.
There’s been quite a bit of anticipation for Basallo’s arrival inside of Baltimore’s clubhouse.
“Basallo is a crazy talent. I got to play with him throughout the Minor Leagues as well, and I’m excited for his day to come,” infielder Jackson Holliday said earlier this weekend. “He can do some pretty special things.”
One of Mike Elias’ biggest goals upon being hired as the Orioles’ general manager in November 2018 was to build a greater presence in the international market. The club had not been much of a factor in that regard in the years prior.
Basallo will be the first major international signee to debut for Baltimore during the Elias era. He signed for $1.3 million out of the D.R. in January 2021.