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32m ago

Orioles Finalizing Eight-Year, $67 Million Deal With Rookie Samuel Basallo

The record pre-arbitration pact follows Adley Rutschman’s IL stint, giving the 21-year-old a clear run as Baltimore’s primary catcher.

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Overview

  • The agreement includes a 2034 club option and incentives that can lift the value to $88.5 million, which multiple outlets report as the largest pre-arbitration extension for a catcher.
  • The deal is being finalized less than a week after Basallo’s MLB debut and is expected to begin next season, according to ESPN.
  • With Rutschman on the 10-day injured list retroactive to August 18 because of a right oblique strain, Basallo will handle the bulk of catching duties with Alex Jackson as his backup, team officials said.
  • Basallo reached the majors as a top-15 prospect after slashing .270/.377/.589 with 23 home runs in 76 Triple-A games this year and has started his MLB stint with a handful of hits and five RBIs.
  • The swift commitment has prompted media speculation about Rutschman’s future role or trade possibilities, though no such move has been announced by the club.