There could be a race to the finish line for next season's American League Rookie of the Year Award. Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo will be one of the top names with an opportunity to bring home the trophy.
Basallo played 31 Major League games in 2025, maintaining his rookie status for next season. He hit four home runs, including a walk-off against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but had just a.559 OPS in 118 plate appearances.
MLB.com's Jake Rill wrote Monday that he predicts Basallo will beat out potential breakout rookies, like the Toronto Blue Jays Trey Yesavage and the Detroit Tigers Kevin McGonigle, to win AL Rookie of the Year in 2026.
Baltimore can earn an extra late first-round draft pick in 2027 if Basallo or outfielder Dylan Beavers win the award.
"A breakout year is coming for the 21-year-old, whose bat will heat up in the summer months," Rill wrote about Basallo's potential impact on offense this upcoming season.
What position will Basallo play?
Baltimore hopes Adley Rutschman will be fully healthy by the end of spring training. If so, he should see the bulk of playing time behind the plate.
That leaves Basallo as an option at first base or designated hitter on the days Rutschman starts at catcher. However, Pete Alonso will be the starting first baseman, and Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo remain on the Orioles' roster.
The logjam at first could signify that a trade may be incoming for the Orioles, with Mountcastle as the leading candidate. But his trade value may be low after a poor year at the plate.
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