Orioles' surprise extension raises serious questions about Adley Rutschman's future

Samuel Basallo's Major League debut could be a signal that times are changing for the Baltimore Orioles. Sure, the Orioles waited too long in their decision to promote Basallo, but it seems they are wasting no time in making him the next face of the franchise. Jeff Passan of ESPN was first to report that the Orioles and Basallo have agreed to an 8-year contract extension worth $67MM.

Samuel Basallo contract could be the writing on the wall for Adley Rutschman

Basallo has certainly looked the part during his first week of games with the big-league squad. Basall has collected 4 hits through his first 15 plate appearances while also tallying five RBI. There was no question that Basallo's bat was ready for the Major League level, but the question was how certain the Orioles were of his catching responsibilities. Over his first four games, Basallo has served as the Orioles' catcher in three of them, with his other appearance coming as the team's designated hitter.

Basallo's extension with the Orioles will go into effect at the start of the 2026 season and will include a club option at the tail end. If the club option is exercised, the total value of the deal can max out at $88.5MM.

The deal marks one of the first times that Mike Elias acted quickly in terms of locking one of the Orioles' young stars, but in doing so, Elias may have signaled the end of Adley Rutschman's time with the team.

Rutschman, who was placed on the IL on Thursday with an oblique strain, has already been the subject of offseason trade rumors. Over the last two seasons, Rutschman's offensive profile hasn't matched the superstar pace he was on during the first two seasons of his career, and factoring in Basallo's ascension, there were whispers that the Orioles could look to move their face of the franchise this winter.

The hope is that Friday's news can be a signal of different times for the Orioles. Elias still has his detractors, and the doubt won't go away until the roster is turned into a sustained contender. That said, Basallo's contract extension is a sign that Elias has learned from at least one of his previous mistakes.

More Orioles News from Birds Watcher