The Baltimore Orioles are aiming to finish the season strong after a rough start. The team entered the year with high hopes, especially thanks to the young talent on the roster. One promising sign came just a day ago when recent call-up Samuel Basallo signed a major contract extension.
“On Friday, the Orioles signed catcher Samuel Basallo to an eight-year contract extension that runs through the 2033 season and includes a team option for ’34. The deal is worth $67 million and includes escalators based on awards and playing time at catcher that could bump it to a max of $88.5 million, a source told MLB.com,” MLB.com’s Jake Rill wrote.
Another key piece for the Orioles’ future is the identity of their next manager, as the team decided to part ways with former manager Brandon Hyde in May.
“The Baltimore Orioles fired manager Brandon Hyde on Saturday, hoping a new leader can spark a turnaround of the most disappointing team in Major League Baseball. Hyde, who had managed the Orioles through the end of their rebuild and helped lead them to the past two postseasons, oversaw an underwhelming start. The Orioles fell to 15-29,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote.
The Orioles could be targeting a young managerial candidate currently involved in the Bruce Bochy succession plan in Texas.
“Schumaker is currently a senior adviser to Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young and is seen by many as the eventual successor to Bruce Bochy as the manager of the Rangers. If he is pursued by any other team, he may not sit tight and wait,” pressboxonline.com’s Stan Charles wrote.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
This would be a bold move for Baltimore, as Schumaker could connect well with the players. He is known for his passion and leadership, and with a young core set to remain for years, the Orioles could hardly ask for a better fit. Getting this hire right is critical for the team’s future success.
