Baltimore Orioles Top Prospect Compared to Future Royals Star
A highly-ranked prospect for the Baltimore Orioles has drawn a striking comparison to a recent Kansas City Royals first-round draft pick.
In recent years, the Orioles have excelled at selecting and developing top draft picks, transforming them into key contributors at the Major League level. Their expected Opening Day lineup is packed with homegrown talent, with only designated hitter/first baseman Ryan O’Hearn and outfielder Tyler O’Neill not being drafted by the team.
Shortstop Gunnar Henderson, catcher Adley Rutschman, and third baseman Jordan Westburg have all established themselves as All-Star caliber players. Outfielder Colton Cowser was a runner-up for Rookie of the Year in 2024. The Orioles are hopeful that second baseman Jackson Holliday and outfielder Heston Kjerstad can join that elite group in 2025 with increased opportunities.
Behind these players, there are two other top prospects who will likely make regular MLB contributions soon. One of them is catcher/first baseman Samuel Basallo, ranked as the No. 17 overall prospect by ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel (subscription required).
McDaniel offered an intriguing comparison for Basallo, drawing parallels between the young Baltimore prospect and Kansas City Royals two-way standout Jac Caglianone, who is known for his power both at the plate and on the mound. McDaniel even dubbed Caglianone “MLB’s homer king” in his scouting report.
Basallo’s scouting report highlights his impressive arm and power, with the potential to become a middle-of-the-order hitter capable of launching 30+ home runs annually. This would be a much-needed addition for the Orioles, especially with Anthony Santander leaving via free agency earlier this winter.
However, to reach his full potential, Basallo will need to improve certain aspects of his game, such as pitch selection. His high chase rate is concerning, but it’s remarkable that he was able to reach Triple-A as a teenager, underscoring just how special his bat is.
The long-term value of Basallo will also depend on his defensive development. If he can continue improving behind the plate, a 30-homer threat at catcher could elevate what could become the best lineup in baseball in the near future.
That said, realizing his tantalizing potential will require ongoing effort. As McDaniel noted, Basallo’s future remains uncertain, with both his offensive and defensive profiles holding the potential for either great success or failure.
With Rutschman firmly entrenched as the starting catcher, the Orioles have the luxury of time and don’t need to rush Basallo through the system. They can afford to let him continue developing in Triple-A, ensuring he’s as close to reaching his potential as possible before getting promoted.
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