Samuel Basallo Mashing In June
6 months agoBaltimore Orioles catching prospect Samuel Basallo has been steadily improving throughout the 2024 season. He finished April with just seven extra-base hits, a 2:22 BB/SO ratio, and a .262/.276/441 slash line in 21 games. By the end of May, he was slashing .280/.328/.429 with five doubles, seven home runs, and a 12:42 BB/SO in 45 games. Recently, however, Basallo has found his power stroke, slashing .289/.351/.558 with five doubles, three home runs, and a 5:11 BB/SO in 14 June games. The No. 2 prospect in Baltimore's farm system (per MLB.com), Basallo isn't expected to make his MLB debut until 2025. Though he's primarily a catcher, he's played 17 games at first base this year. Considering how Adley Rutschman is the O's long-term backstop, Basallo may have to transition into a full-time first baseman before he's ultimately promoted.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference