The Baltimore Orioles recently announced that they have opened the 2020-21 International Signing period with 17 contract agreements. Highlighting the Orioles 2020-21 International Signing class are the clubs first-ever seven figure international signings, C SAMUEL BASALLO and SS MAIKOL HERNÁNDEZ. Additionally, 11 more of the group are six figure agreements. Of the 17 total agreements, 13 are from the Dominican Republic and four are from Venezuela.
Basallo, born on August 13, 2004, is one of the youngest players in the class at 16 years old. A native of the Dominican Republic, Basallo has great size for his age and stands out for his easy, above average raw power to all fields from the left side of the plate. He displays an above average arm behind the plate and shows good aptitude.
Hernández, born on October 4, 2003, is a tall, lanky shortstop from Venezuela who displays a good combination of speed and power. He flashes five-tool potential, with above average tools across the board. Hernández exhibits good hit ability and defensively plays a solid shortstop.
“Today is a landmark day for the Orioles organization and its international efforts,” said MIKE ELIAS, Orioles Executive Vice President and General Manager. “It marks the first time in club history that we have signed seven-figure prospects on J2. Thanks to the backing of the partnership group, and the excellent work Koby and his team have done, we believe this historic signing class will substantially accelerate the construction of our strong pipeline in the international scene, which will benefit the organization for years to come.”
“The excitement and strong showing of today’s signing news is a tribute to the hard work of our staff,” said KOBY PEREZ, Orioles Senior Director, International Scouting. “Being in year two of retooling our international presence and having to deal with a pandemic is not an easy process, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we have been able to accomplish. We know Orioles fans are excited for what we are building, and today is a momentous step forward in making the Orioles a household name in the international market.”
Shortly after this announcement the Orioles also made the following move as the team was able to agree to terms with INF/OF Trey Mancini on a one-year contract for the 2021 season, avoiding arbitration.
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