Samuel Basallo revealed offseason development that should have Orioles fans hyped

Baltimore Orioles fans have to be hoping that young catcher Samuel Basallo is on track for a breakout year in 2026. The most recent update on the 21-year-old should get fans hyped for what this season could have in store.

According to his comments to fans recently, Basallo reportedly has lost 15 pounds this offseason. Obviously, it has become cliche this time of year to say that guys are "in the best shape of their lives" so we can save those declarations for when spring training truly begins.

Still, it is a good sign that Basallo is slimming down a bit. The catcher is obviously a huge part of Baltimore's plans going forward which is why they extended him shortly after he made his big league debut last season.

Orioles prospect Samuel Basallo trims down by losing 15 pounds

Basallo is pretty big for a catcher as he stands at 6-foot-4 and his weight is listed at 180, although that does not seem accurate whatsoever. Losing a little weight may help him manage the arduous task of catching across the course of a full season even though Adley Rutschman figures to get most of the reps behind the plate.

The Orioles have been smart to add some insurance behind him at catcher in case he is not up to the task or proves to be better suited as a first baseman or designated hitter. They can make that work as Pete Alonso could be used interchangeably as a first baseman or DH.

Baltimore believes Basallo can flash more of his potential in 2026, though. He has a ton of pop in his bat as he hit 23 homers in Triple-A before his promotion to the majors in 2025 and hit four more after getting called up. They're counting on him to be a presence in the order and the addition of Alonso and Taylor Ward can help take some of the pressure off the young slugger.

It would not come as a huge shock if the Dominican product put his name in the running for American League Rookie of the Year honors. With as much protection as Basallo should have ahead of him in the order, he could put up some pretty impressive numbers. Losing weight will not automatically equate to success, but a fitter Basallo is a good sign for the Orioles. They are counting on him to deliver for years to come so 2026 might be his coming out party.