Overview

• Sources at ESPN, the Baltimore Sun and AP report the agreement includes escalators and a 2034 club option that can lift the value to $88.5 million, the largest pre-arbitration pact for a catcher.
• The move comes less than a week after Basallo’s MLB debut following a standout Triple-A run (.270/.377/.589, 23 home runs in 76 games).
• With Adley Rutschman on the 10-day injured list for a right oblique strain, interim manager Tony Mansolino said Basallo will serve as the primary catcher during the current homestand.
• The contract marks the first long-term extension for a homegrown player since Elias became general manager in 2018, a shift noted by local and national outlets.
• Because the deal begins in 2026 and Basallo may retain rookie status next year, the Orioles could be eligible for draft-pick compensation if he wins Rookie of the Year under MLB’s prospect promotion incentives.