Orioles 2022 #11 Prospect Samuel Basallo - C

[Tony-OH]

Samuel Basallo
Pos: C
Bats: L
Throws: R
Age (as of Jun 30th) : 17
2022 Level: FCL

Tools (current/future value)
Hit: 25/50
Game Power: 40/70
Raw Power: 50/70
Run: 40/40
Defense: 30/50

Most Likely Future Role: 1^st Division Starting 1B
Ceiling: 1st Division Starting Catcher

What we know: Signed for $1.3 million back in 2021 when he was just 16-years old, Basallo made his Florida Complex League debut this season as the 2^nd youngest player in the league. Despite his youth, Basallo tied for the league lead with six home runs while slashing .279/.350/.424/.774, which led his team among players with 100 PAs or more. His .369 wOBA and 116 rRC+ were both above league average. He has shown no platoon concerns and even hit southpaws better than righties slashing .367/.400/.567/.967 with two of his six homers against them in just 35 PAs. Basallo does have some swing and miss in his game putting up a 28.7% swing K rate, but he cuts down his swing some with two strikes and only had a respectable 20.6% K rate to go along with 8.3% BB rate. His line drive rate did fall to 14.4% from 24.5% in the DSL.

While there are concerns that Basallo would outgrow catcher, he shows outstanding flexibility (he can do a complete split) and a power arm that saw him catch 31% of runners despite inexperienced pitchers not holding runners well. While his arm is strong, he struggles with accuracy at times,  committing eight errors, and he still has a long way to go though defensively behind the dish with seven passed ball in just 31 games/28 starts behind the dish. He did make 10 starts at 1B after making 13 the year before in the DSL, so they are giving him some experience at his fall back position already.

What we don’t know: Basallo is one of those high risk, high reward players in that his ceiling is very high, but there is still extreme risk that upper level pitching could give him problems. He has barely grown into his frame though he did put on weight and he will most likely continue to grow into that frame which could make staying behind the dish a problem. That means his defensive position is still very much a question mark despite having good tools to stay behind the dish. His drop in LD% and and swinging K % is worth watching as he moves up a level.

What we think: There is a huge upside here with Basallo and that’s why he is so high on this list despite not playing above the Florida Complex League. He reminds some of a young Carlos Delgado who started his career as a catchier, but obviously became known for his bat at the major league level. He’ll start next season most likely as one of the youngest players in the Carolina League (A ball) and could move quickly if he gets off to a good start.

[Frobby]

Got this one right.  I’m looking forward to seeing some video of him once he reaches Delmarva this year.  

[oriole]

Now about his cousin…where will he end up on this list?!

[RZNJ]

3 hours ago, Frobby said:

Got this one right.  I’m looking forward to seeing some video of him once he reaches Delmarva this year.  

Ha!  I was half right with Basallo at #11.  The power rankings let me down this time.   Probably the toughest jump in pro ball is for the Complex guys making the jump to Low A.    It's going to be interesting to see.

[emmett16]

I can’t wait to watch this guy play.  Delmarva with Holiday and Basallo will be a lot of fun.  

[LookinUp]

I'd personally have Beavers here, but you got to love the offensive upside and still very young age. There's just a lot of risk at his age and level, which is why I'd have him below Beavers.

[Moose Milligan]

There's a lot to like in the minors but if this guy reaches his potential it'll have a huge impact.  

[jabba72]

4 minutes ago, Moose Milligan said:

There's a lot to like in the minors but if this guy reaches his potential it'll have a huge impact.  

Agree. 70 power as a LH catcher in Camden Yards...Yikes.