The baseball world was stunned this week when the Baltimore Orioles signed top prospect Samuel Basallo to an eight-year, $67 million extension — a deal that could swell to nearly $90 million despite Basallo having just four Major League games under his belt. The move made the 21-year-old catcher one of the youngest and wealthiest players in the game and sent shockwaves through front offices across the league.
Almost immediately, speculation swirled about what the Orioles would do with Adley Rutschman, the former No. 1 overall pick and face of their franchise just two years ago. Rumors of a potential trade package quickly surfaced, with Baltimore expected to dangle Rutschman on the market this offseason.
But in Cincinnati, the Reds wasted no time putting those whispers to bed. According to front-office sources, the Reds’ leadership group quickly evaluated the situation and made the call to pass on any pursuit of Rutschman.
“Look, he’s a great player and he’s had a great career,” Reds manager Terry Francona said Friday, “but we’re not in the business of chasing names. We’re building something here with our guys, and that’s where the focus stays.”
The decision reflects a clear strategy: invest in the Reds’ own talent, not expensive reclamation projects. With Jose Trevino signed through 2027, Tyler Stephenson under team control through 2026, and Alfredo Duno blasting his way up the farm system, Cincinnati believes its future behind the plate is already secured.
Meanwhile, Reds fans watched the Rutschman chatter play out with a mix of relief and pride. “Old Reds teams might’ve panicked and jumped at a move like that,” said longtime fan Jack Morgan outside Great American Ball Park. “But this front office finally feels like it’s thinking long-term. We’ve got our own Basallos and Rutschmans in the making.”
Basallo, who spent the season crushing baseballs at Triple-A Norfolk with a .270/.377/.589 slash line, 23 home runs, and a 150 wRC+, now appears set as the Orioles’ franchise cornerstone. For Cincinnati, the extension was a reminder of what might soon be possible with their own homegrown core. Sources say the Reds have already opened quiet talks about a long-term deal for infielder Sal Stewart, who has become one of the most exciting bats in the farm system.
The Reds, sitting just 1.5 games out of a Wild Card spot, made it clear: Baltimore can have their Basallo-Rutschman drama. Cincinnati’s plan is simple — trust the rebuild, extend their own stars, and keep climbing toward October.
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