The Baltimore Orioles are making it clear: the international market is no longer an afterthought - it’s a priority. Just five days after Samuel Basallo made his major league debut last August, the club locked him into an eight-year, $67 million extension.
That move wasn’t just about Basallo’s potential; it was a statement of intent. And now, as the international signing period opens, the Orioles are doubling down.
For the first time in franchise history, the Orioles handed out four seven-figure bonuses in a single signing period - a major leap for a team that, prior to 2021, had never done it even once.
Jose Luis Acevedo Leads the Class
The headliner is shortstop Jose Luis Acevedo out of the Dominican Republic. The Orioles gave him a $2.3 million bonus - the largest in club history - narrowly edging out the $2.2975 million they gave shortstop Luis Almeyda in 2023.
That’s not just a big check; it’s a big bet on a player the Orioles believe can become a cornerstone. Baseball America ranked Acevedo 11th on its international bonus board, and MLB Pipeline slotted him at No. 14 on its top 50 prospects list.
The tools are there, and now, so is the investment.
A Deep Pool of Talent
But the Orioles didn’t stop with Acevedo. They spread their $8.03 million bonus pool across several high-upside players, signaling a more aggressive approach to international scouting and development.
- Ariel Roque, an outfielder also from the Dominican Republic, signed for $1.7 million. He came in at No. 22 on Baseball America’s international rankings.
- Pedro Gomez, another Dominican outfielder, received $1.25 million and was ranked 38th.
- Gabriel Rosario, a versatile catcher/outfielder, signed for $1.05 million and was ranked 41st.
That’s four players with top-50 rankings and seven-figure bonuses - a clear sign that the Orioles are no longer just dipping their toes into the international waters. They’re diving in headfirst.
Pitching Talent on the Rise
The Orioles also added a potential gem on the mound in Andri Hidalgo, a 16-year-old left-hander from the Dominican Republic who MLB Pipeline considers the top pitching prospect in this year’s international class. He signed for $625,000 - a significant number for a pitcher at this stage.
Also joining the organization are outfielders Joshddy Castillo and Carlos Rubecindo, who signed for $375,000 and $400,000, respectively. Both are from the Dominican Republic, continuing a trend of the Orioles building strong ties in the region.
Catching Depth Gets a Boost with Sam Huff
While Basallo and Adley Rutschman are the only catchers currently on the 40-man roster, the Orioles added some veteran depth by signing Sam Huff to a minor league deal. Huff, 28, saw limited time with the Giants last season, hitting .208 with a pair of home runs over 20 games. He’s a career .247 hitter with some pop and a solid arm - he’s thrown out 31% of attempted base stealers over eight minor league seasons.
Huff will join Maverick Handley and Silas Ardoin at Triple-A Norfolk, giving the Orioles a deeper catching pool heading into spring training. With Basallo’s meteoric rise and Rutschman’s All-Star caliber play, the competition behind them will be worth watching.
Spring Training Coverage Expands in 2026
The Orioles are also making sure fans are more connected than ever this spring. MASN will broadcast a franchise-record 20 exhibition games, starting February 20 against the Yankees at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. That’s a big jump from last year’s eight-game slate and reflects growing excitement around this team’s trajectory.
Five of those 20 broadcasts will be road games, including matchups against the Red Sox, Cardinals, Astros, Pirates, and Blue Jays. One particularly intriguing addition is the March 20 Spring Breakout game, which will showcase Orioles and Red Sox prospects - a perfect chance to see some of these newly signed international talents in action.
Key Spring Dates and Fan Access
- Pitchers and catchers participating in the World Baseball Classic report by February 9.
- The rest of the pitchers and catchers arrive February 11.
- Position players report February 16.
- Opening Day is set for March 26 at Camden Yards against the Twins.
Fans will have more access to the team than ever during spring training. Ed Smith Stadium will open its gates for free to fans roughly four hours before home games begin, giving a behind-the-scenes look at workouts and batting practice.
Radio and Broadcast Team Updates
WBAL Radio will carry 12 spring games, and the broadcast booth will have familiar voices. Josh Lewin returns to Orioles radio after a long hiatus, bringing his experience from UCLA football and basketball.
Kevin Brown is back for his eighth season and fifth as the primary television play-by-play voice. Brett Hollander and Ben Wagner will share radio duties, while Hall of Famers Jim Palmer and Ben McDonald return as analysts.
Brian Roberts will also be back for select games, and Melanie Newman and Rob Long continue as MASN’s pre- and post-game hosts. Newman, notably, was recently named 2025 Maryland Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association.
The Orioles are sending a message - not just to their fans, but to the rest of the league. They’re investing in the future, building depth across the board, and making sure fans have a front-row seat for all of it. From international signings to expanded spring coverage, this is a franchise on the rise, and they’re making sure everyone knows it.