Samuel Basallo question just forced the Orioles to make a move

After last year's draft, many Baltimore Orioles fans openly wondered whether or not Adley Rutschman would be back in 2026. The O's had just selected a pair of catchers — Ike Irish and Caden Bodine — with their first two draft picks, the team's top prospect Samuel Basallo was ranked as the best young backstop in the sport, and Rutschman was in the midst of a horrible season at the plate.

But a lot's happened since last summer. The Orioles shipped Bodine to the Tampa Bay Rays as part of the return for the Shane Baz trade, and many scouts foresee Irish finding a home on the outfield grass rather than behind the plate. Basallo made his MLB debut in 2025, and while there's plenty of optimism that he'll settle in to his role as the team's starting catcher — eventually.

The Orioles latest free agent signing seems to cast some doubt about whether or not Basallo will be up to the task in 2026. According to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports, the O's just signed free agent catcher Sam Huff to a minor-league deal. It can be assumed that Huff's contract includes a non-roster invite to spring training, and he may well outlast Basallo in the battle to be Rutschman's backup next season.

Orioles sign free agent catcher Sam Huff as insurance for Adley Rutschman

While Rutschman endured a rough 2025 season, he's the Orioles unquestioned starting catcher heading into camp. O's fans are hoping for a bounce-back campaign from the former No. 1 overall pick after he hit just .220/.307/.366 last season.

Basallo had a cup of coffee with the big-league ball club after making his MLB debut last August. He managed to appear in just 31 games and posted a .165/.229/.330 slash line. While those numbers are rather unsightly, Basallo proved his worth in the minors last season with a .966 OPS and 23 home runs while playing for Triple-A Norfolk.

There are few questions about Basallo's bat, but there are plenty surrounding his ability to stick behind the dish. He can certainly control the running game with his arm, but there's more to being catcher than throwing out would-be base stealers. His receiving and blocking remain a work in progress.

In short, Rutschman is the starter, Basallo is a project, and Huff is insurance. In fact, if the O's decide to use Basallo as their primary DH, there's a scenario in which all three could break camp and be part of Baltimore's Opening day roster.