Orioles Prospect Watch: Samuel Basallo Closing in on MLB Debut

Samuel Basallo: The Orioles’ power-hitting prodigy nears his big league moment as he continues to rake at Triple-A. 

In Baltimore, the youth movement has become more than just a philosophy — it’s a way of life. And for the second straight season, a 20-year-old could be knocking on the door of Camden Yards.A Star in Waiting

Samuel Basallo isn’t just another name in the Orioles’ loaded farm system. He’s the future waiting for his moment, a left-handed slugger with a bat too powerful to be ignored. Clocked at 115 mph exit velocities in Triple-A, Basallo’s raw strength is already Major League-ready. And while he won’t unseat Adley Rutschman behind the plate anytime soon, his journey to Baltimore seems inevitable.

Samuel Basallo is on the board. 106 MPH to the back side. pic.twitter.com/hQIb8dxcbz

— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) March 29, 2025

“He’s doing exceptionally well in of his timeline as a prospect and the age that he’s at and his development,” Orioles GM Mike Elias said. “He just got to Triple-A. He’s still learning a lot. We’re still working on his approach at the plate. He’s still learning how to be a Major League catcher. All of those things are going great.”

But when you’re hitting like Basallo, the question is no longer if, but when.

Learning from the Best

In Sarasota, Basallo is absorbing everything. Working alongside two-time All-Star Adley Rutschman and veteran Gary Sánchez, Basallo is soaking in experience that can’t be taught in stat lines.

He’s also under the watchful eye of bench coach Robinson Chirinos, a former big league catcher himself, who has been mentoring Basallo even before they shared the same field.

For Basallo, the proximity to the big leagues isn’t just a dream — it’s a tangible goal.

“Knowing it’s within reach and being able to possibly accomplish one of my dreams, one of my goals — that’s very exciting,” Basallo said.

Numbers That Speak Louder Than Words

Last season, Basallo turned heads with Double-A Bowie, slashing .289 with 16 home runs, 22 doubles, and 55 RBIs in 106 games. His brief stint at Triple-A Norfolk, while more modest (.222/.267/.370), served as a necessary adjustment period — one that’s only sharpened his focus heading into 2025.

The current top 10 hitting prospects by StS Peak Projections!
4-25-25

1. Roman Anthony 👑
2. Samuel Basallo
3. Luis Peña 👀
4. Lazaro Montes
5. Kristian Campbell
6. Leo De Vries
7. Coby Mayo
8. Emmanuel Rodriguez
9. Cam Smith
10. Jordan Lawlar
pic.twitter.com/O9NG9cYC5F

— Scout the Statline (@StatlineScout) April 25, 2025

The Orioles know what they have: a power bat, a developing catcher, and a prospect on the cusp of ing a team that is already contending. While first baseman Coby Mayo may get the first nod if the Orioles need help at the corners, Basallo’s left-handed power is a rare commodity. In a long season, opportunities arise.

And the O’s can’t keep a bat like his down for long.

Ready for the Call

At just 20, Basallo already carries the composure of someone who understands what’s ahead. He’s seen how quickly things can happen — Jackson Holliday’s debut last April set the tone for what’s possible in Baltimore.

Now, it could be Basallo’s turn.

“When you’re in Triple-A, and if you’re doing well in Triple-A, that’s your timeline right there,” Elias said.

For Samuel Basallo, the dream is close. The stage is set. And when the call comes, he won’t just arrive — he’ll announce himself with every swing.