The 2024 Orioles are poised to make All-Star history with a trio of young position players—catcher Adley Rutschman, shortstop Gunnar Henderson, and third baseman Jordan Westburg—all set to participate in their third big league season or earlier, marking a first in MLB history.
Before Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Henderson will take center stage at another premier event: Monday’s T-Mobile Home Run Derby.
Even earlier, Baltimore’s rising star Samuel Basallo, ranked as the O’s No. 2 prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No. 12 overall, will showcase his talents in the All-Star Futures Game on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET (MLB Network, MLB.TV, MLB.com, MLB app). This event highlights top prospects who represent baseball’s brightest future stars.
Rutschman (2021) and Henderson (2022) have also participated in the Futures Game, and in 2023, infielder Jackson Holliday (MLB’s No. 1 overall prospect) and outfielder Heston Kjerstad represented the Orioles. Now, the spotlight turns to Basallo, a 19-year-old catcher/first baseman from the Dominican Republic, who has rapidly climbed Baltimore’s Minor League system since signing in January 2021.
Basallo made his Double-A debut with Bowie last September, just after turning 19, and has continued to impress in 2024 despite a slow start, boasting a .716 OPS in April and improving to .894 by June.
“It’s really impressive to see a young player handle the challenges of professional baseball at such a high level,” remarked Anthony Villa, Orioles’ director of player development.
While it’s uncommon for teenagers to play at Triple-A, it’s not unheard of; Holliday reached Triple-A Norfolk last year for a brief stint.
Looking ahead, Villa emphasized Basallo’s need for more reps and continuous improvement, particularly in controlling the strike zone and enhancing defensive skills at both catcher and first base.
Basallo’s versatility at first base and as a designated hitter aligns well with Rutschman’s role on the Orioles, where both can contribute significantly to the team’s lineup.
“Sam’s athleticism and ability to adapt are remarkable,” Villa noted. “Developing his defensive capabilities at first base is crucial, given his offensive potential.”
Fans will have the chance to witness Basallo’s promising future firsthand at the All-Star Futures Game, where he aims to underscore the Orioles’ ongoing success in developing top-tier talent through their acclaimed Minor League system.