The Baltimore Orioles have secured top catcher Samuel Bassaro with an eight-year extension worth $67 million, as reported by Andy Costka of Baltimore Banner. The contract includes options for the 2034 season and could rise to $88.5 million with incentives. Celebrating his 21st birthday recently, Bassaro is recognized as a top-15 prospect in baseball, having posted impressive stats in the minors, including a .270 batting average, 23 home runs, and a robust 13.7% walk rate this season.
Despite questions about his defensive skills, the Orioles’ management, including GM Mike Elias, appear confident in his abilities after a brief major league stint. His extension marks a significant investment for the Orioles and is the first long-term commitment since Adam Jones in 2012, signaling the team’s willingness to invest in young talent.
Bassaro’s contract places him among a select group of players who have extended their contracts shortly after their major league debut, underscoring the organization’s belief in his potential. Additionally, his contract aligns with MLB’s Prospect Promotion Incentive, which could yield draft picks for the Orioles if he achieves certain performance milestones in coming seasons. This strategic move is part of a broader commitment by the franchise to nurture and retain emerging talent.
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