Orioles Prospects Samuel Basallo and Coby Mayo Ranked Inside Baseball America’s Top 30
As the Baltimore Orioles continue to build a promising future through their farm system, two of their most exciting prospects, Samuel Basallo and Coby Mayo, have garnered significant attention. Baseball America recently ranked both players among the top 30 prospects in all of baseball, further solidifying the potential of the Orioles’ system and the rising star power within it.
Samuel Basallo, a catcher with a tremendous amount of upside, and Coby Mayo, a power-hitting third baseman, represent the new wave of talent making its way to the big leagues. Their rankings reflect not only their individual talents but also the growing confidence in the Orioles’ developmental pipeline.
Samuel Basallo – Catcher (No. 30 Overall)
Samuel Basallo, a 19-year-old catcher, has rapidly emerged as one of the Orioles’ top prospects, earning a spot in Baseball America’s top 30. Signed in 2021 out of the Dominican Republic, Basallo’s raw talent and potential have made him one of the most intriguing catchers in the minors.
Hitting and Power
Basallo’s offensive profile is what makes him stand out in a position that often doesn’t prioritize offensive production. The 6’3″, 215-pound catcher has a combination of power and discipline that’s rare for his age. While still a work in progress, Basallo has shown the ability to consistently square up the ball, generating impressive exit velocities. He has the potential to hit for both average and power, with a compact swing that projects to carry over as he matures.
In his early professional career, Basallo has shown a solid approach at the plate. He’s capable of controlling the strike zone, with an eye for walks and an understanding of how to work counts. His power potential is considerable, with many scouts projecting him to eventually hit 20-25 home runs annually in the major leagues if everything clicks.
Defense and Game Calling
While Basallo’s bat is his calling card, his defensive abilities behind the plate shouldn’t be overlooked. Catching is a demanding position, and Basallo has shown promise in terms of his receiving skills, blocking ability, and arm strength. His defensive game is still developing, and as he matures, he will likely become a more polished defender. His ability to call a game and work with pitchers will also be a key area of growth as he progresses through the system.
Projection
Given his combination of size, power potential, and defensive tools, Basallo has the makings of an all-around catcher who can impact the game on both sides of the ball. With continued development, especially in refining his defensive game, Basallo could project as a starting catcher for the Orioles within a few years, offering both offensive and defensive value.
Coby Mayo – Third Baseman (No. 19 Overall)
Coby Mayo, a 21-year-old third baseman, was selected by the Orioles in the 2020 MLB Draft, and he has quickly established himself as one of the most promising power hitters in the system. Mayo’s rise has been marked by his raw power and solid all-around skills, making him one of the most intriguing players in Baltimore’s minor league system.
Power and Bat Speed
Mayo’s biggest tool is his raw power. The 6’5″, 220-pound third baseman has explosive bat speed, allowing him to generate plus-plus power from the right side of the plate. His ability to drive the ball to all fields is an exciting part of his profile, and he projects as a future 30-home run hitter if everything clicks. His swing is naturally geared for power, with a lofted finish that helps him launch the ball into the air.
In 2024, Mayo posted impressive power numbers, showing that he can handle upper-level pitching while continuing to develop a more refined approach. His strikeout rate has been a concern at times, but with his natural strength and bat speed, he’s capable of hitting for both power and average when his swing is in sync.
Defense at Third Base
Defensively, Mayo has shown solid potential at third base. His arm strength is above average, and his range is respectable for a player of his size. However, his agility and footwork can be inconsistent, which is not unusual for a player of his frame. As Mayo continues to adjust to higher levels of competition, his defense will be a key area of focus. If he can improve his footwork and continue to refine his glove work, Mayo has the potential to be an average defender at third base, making him an all-around asset for the Orioles.
Future Outlook
Mayo’s power bat and raw tools make him one of the most exciting position players in the Orioles system. With further refinement in his approach at the plate and his defense at third base, he could develop into a middle-of-the-order bat who provides consistent power for the team. The Orioles’ rebuilding process could see Mayo in the major leagues in the next few seasons, potentially offering a dynamic presence in the lineup.
Development and Impact on the Orioles
The inclusion of both Basallo and Mayo in Baseball America’s Top 30 prospects list highlights the growing strength of the Orioles’ farm system. Both players offer significant upside, albeit in different ways. Basallo’s potential as a two-way catcher with offensive firepower and Mayo’s power-hitting profile at third base make them integral pieces to the team’s future success.
The Orioles have been in a rebuilding phase for several years, and with top prospects like Basallo and Mayo in the system, the team is well-positioned to continue its ascent toward contention in the American League. Both players could see significant roles in the coming seasons, further boosting the excitement surrounding the team’s future.
