BALTIMORE -- The first long-term extension of the Mike Elias era has been signed in Baltimore -- and it’s going to the 21-year-old phenom who made his MLB debut only five days ago.
The Orioles and catcher Samuel Basallo have agreed to an eight-year, $67 million extension that includes a team option for the 2034 season, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The club has not announced the deal, which includes escalators based on awards and playing time at catcher with a max of $88.5 million.
It’s been quite a week for Basallo, the O’s No. 1 prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No. 8 overall.
First, Basallo found out last Saturday he was getting called up to the big leagues for the first time, a promotion he learned of via a phone call from his dad, Jairo Fernando. On Sunday, Basallo debuted for Baltimore and collected his first hit (a two-run single) in Houston.
Basallo has played four games, going 4-for-14 (.286) with one double, five RBIs and one run scored. He drove in the winning run in Tuesday’s 4-3, 11-inning win over the Red Sox at Fenway Park with an RBI groundout in the 11th.
When Basallo was recalled, it was planned for him to rotate between catcher, designated hitter and first base. But starting catcher Adley Rutschman went on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain on Thursday, so Basallo will be the No. 1 backstop moving forward.
The Orioles are clearly excited about Basallo’s long-term potential, as the Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native has the abilities to turn into a franchise player (and one of baseball’s top stars). He showed that throughout his time in the Minor Leagues after signing for $1.3 million out of the D.R. in January 2021.
Basallo was knocking on the door quite loudly before he got called up, as he was slashing .270/.377/.589 with 17 doubles, 23 home runs and 67 RBIs in 76 games for Triple-A Norfolk this season. He also showed improvement at catcher, honing his skills behind the plate.
Baltimore fans have long clamored to see its young stars signed to extensions, something that hadn’t happened since Elias became general manager in November 2018. The organization underwent a full rebuild, so it took a while to replenish the talent throughout the system.
Although the O’s (59-68) have had a disappointing 2025 season -- one filled with injuries -- the future could remain bright. They still have a core featuring Basallo, Rutschman, shortstop Gunnar Henderson, second baseman Jackson Holliday, third baseman Jordan Westburg, outfielder Colton Cowser and more -- players who could sign extensions down the line.
But for now, Basallo is a fine starting point -- especially because the 6-foot-4 slugger has quickly acclimated himself to big league life and has already shown what he’s capable of.
“I just feel great. Great to be here. Just happy to be here,” Basallo said prior to Thursday’s 7-2 loss to the Astros, his Camden Yards debut. “Just excited and just ready to give my 100 percent every time.”
Basallo was met with large cheers throughout Thursday’s game -- as was fellow prospect Dylan Beavers, who clubbed his first MLB home run -- and that will surely continue moving forward.