Orioles’ No. 3 Prospect Tabbed as ‘Best Trade Chip’ by Insider

Getty Samuel Basallo taking a Baltimore Orioles team photo on February 21.

With the July 30 trade deadline approaching, the Baltimore Orioles will be active as buyers on the pitching market. But in order to pull off a blockbuster, it may cost them a top-valued prospect.

Home to four prospects in MLB’s top 25, the Orioles can make a compelling offer to any team shopping pitchers. But it’s Samuel Basallo whom USA Today’s Bob Nightengale argued could get the most in return.

“The Orioles’ best trade chip they may be willing to part with at the trade deadline is prized catching prospect Samuel Basallo, who is blocked by All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman,” Nightengale wrote in a June 16 column.

Basallo is slashing .281/.331/.460 in Double-A with 10 home runs and 52 RBIs.

But with Rutschman playing like the top catcher in baseball, there’s a ceiling on Basallo’s journey toward the majors.

Every team has two catchers, but does it make sense to stick a promising young talent in the backup spot?

That’s a question for Mike Elias and Baltimore’s front office as they explore trade options ahead of the deadline.

Who Are the Orioles Targeting?

With the Orioles losing starting pitchers John Means and Tyler Wells and closer Felix Bautista to season-ending injuries, there’s little doubt about the team’s needs ahead of the trade deadline.

“The Orioles are intently exploring the bullpen market and still could pursue a right-handed hitting outfielder,” The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal wrote on June 12. “In addition, general manager Mike Elias is telling clubs he will weigh the addition of a starting pitcher perhaps up to the deadline, according to sources briefed on his discussions.”

In his column, Nightengale reported teams that are “guaranteed” to be sellers at the July deadline.

“The only teams guaranteed to be sellers at this point: the White Sox, Rockies, Marlins, Angels and A’s,” Nightengale added.

Baltimore has been consistently linked to Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller. And as of May 9, Rosenthal reported that “no team has come close” to meeting the team’s price tag for the 25-year-old closer.

“Perhaps no team will,” Rosenthal wrote.

Miller has thrown 56 strikeouts in 31.2 innings pitched, has 12 saves and a 2.27 ERA.

Craig Kimbrel, the current Orioles closer, has 16 saves and a 2.39 ERA through June 17.

Kimbrel, 36, “has done the job as of late, but based on his recent history, Baltimore should be looking to add another closer or at the very least improve its set-up reliever depth,” Bowden wrote.

Does a Basallo for Miller Swap Work?

As recently as June 13, Jim Bowden of The Athletic linked Miller as an Orioles deadline target.

“Baltimore should be looking to add another closer or at the very least improve its set-up reliever depth,” Bowden wrote. “The Orioles have the best and deepest farm system in the sport, so it would be shocking if they don’t address their needs before the deadline.”

That’s before Basallo was dubbed as a gettable asset by Nightengale. Oakland’s starting catcher is Shea Langeliers.

The 26-year-old is slashing .205/.263/.442 with 13 home runs and 36 RBIs.

But if the Athletics are preparing for a fire sale of sorts, investing in a 19-year-old prospect like Basallo isn’t the worst place to start. All options should be on the table for a 26-48 roster.