BALTIMORE (AP) — On a team with plenty of talented young players, Samuel Basallo now has a special distinction — the first to agree to a long-term contract.

The Baltimore Orioles reached a $67 million, eight-year deal with the rookie catcher Friday, less than a week after the 21-year-old made his major league debut. The agreement — a record pre-arbitration deal for a catcher — starts in 2026 and includes a team option for 2034. It has escalators based on awards and playing time at catcher and could be worth $88.5 million.

“We are thrilled to agree with Samuel long term and are delighted about what this means for him and his family,” general manager Mike Elias said in a statement. “His debut and this extension are big achievements for our organization, beginning with the work of our inter

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