SEATTLE – The news yesterday that Double-A Bowie catcher Samuel Basallo was selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game stirred up further discussion about his standing in the Orioles organization. Specifically, how long he’ll be in it. How long he should be in it.
We should pause that topic and mention how he’s a deserving choice as the No. 2 prospect in a stacked farm system and 12th in baseball, per MLB Pipeline’s newest rankings. He’s batting .279 with a .798 OPS, 14 doubles, 11 home runs and 34 RBIs in 69 games, and he had a double and run scored last night in Bowie’s 3-0 win over Richmond.
He’s a real weapon behind the plate, too.
Basallo has endured some health setbacks along the way, the most serious a stress fracture in his right elbow that limited his work in spring training and confined him to serving as designated hitter until April 30. The Futures Game assignment is a nice reward for his talent and perseverance.
Can he co-exist with Adley Rutschman on an Orioles roster, perhaps by 2025? Yes he can. James McCann gets plenty of work behind the plate with Rutschman’s rest consisting of DH duty. Basallo can do that and also play first base. It’s feasible. Why fight it?