Samuel Basallo, the Baltimore Orioles’ top prospect, will likely play a significant role on the team’s 2026 roster, mainly as the designated hitter (DH). While Basallo’s primary position is catcher, the presence of Adley Rutschman as the starting catcher pushes Basallo into a DH role, introducing a complicated roster dilemma for the Orioles as they build their lineup around him.
Choosing Basallo as the main DH makes sense considering his impressive hitting ability, but using the backup catcher primarily as a DH carries inherent risks, especially when thinking about game scenarios and injuries.
Impact of Other Key Players on Roster Flexibility
The situation is further complicated by the Orioles’ existing first base and bench situation. Pete Alonso is expected to be the regular first baseman, while Ryan Mountcastle, who primarily played first base last season, is also projected to hold a bench spot. That leaves limited flexibility when deciding how many catchers and infielders to carry on the roster.
If Rutschman gets injured during a game, Basallo would need to come off the DH role to catch, meaning Baltimore would lose their designated hitter for the remainder of the game. This scenario could force the pitcher to bat, an outcome the Orioles want to avoid due to the decreased offensive advantage.
Such a situation is far from ideal and places stress on the Orioles’ roster management decisions.
Potential Solutions and Roster Constraints
One straightforward way to reduce this risk would be to carry a third catcher on the bench. However, with Mountcastle already occupying one of the bench spots and the Orioles likely wanting to maintain infield and outfield depth, adding another catcher restricts options elsewhere. This could lead to a bench that is unusually thin in other positions, making the roster less balanced and more vulnerable during games.
Despite this awkwardness, the Orioles are clearly committed to Basallo, having signed him to an eight-year extension shortly after his major league debut last season. The organization considers him among baseball’s premier prospects, and they seem willing to adjust their roster to maximize his development and contribution.
Basallo, a Dominican player, has also improved his conditioning by slimming down and losing weight before the current season, which should help him adapt to wherever he plays on the field.
Managing the Catcher Position Will Be Crucial for the Orioles
As Baltimore moves forward, they must carefully plan contingency strategies for the catcher spot. New manager Craig Albernaz will want to avoid scenarios that force the pitcher to bat, which would disadvantage the team and potentially affect the outcome of games.
Carrying an additional catcher could be the simplest fix, but it adds pressure on an already limited bench, creating a difficult balance between depth, flexibility, and strategy.
Ultimately, the Orioles’ approach to integrating Samuel Basallo as their designated hitter uncovers a delicate roster puzzle that could influence their 2026 season performance and operational decisions.
