Prospect Samuel Basallo of the Orioles makes his spring debut with high expectations.

TAMPA — With his last name on the back of his jersey, a clear indication that a player is in major league camp, Samuel Basallo stepped up to the plate for the first time in a major league spring training game on Monday.

It was, by definition, a premiere, albeit an extremely small one, but more of an indication of things to come. Basallo is progressing swiftly in the Orioles organization and is currently rated as their No. 2 prospect. Another step forward for him came on Monday when he replaced the Yankees’ designated hitter in the eighth inning. In the eighth, he grounded out, and in the ninth, he hit a fly out to left.

Speaking through Brandon Quinones, who translated the interview, Basallo remarked, “It was a really nice experience being able to go out there today.” “Getting into the big leagues and being able to put it on is the real goal.”

Given his current trajectory, that time may arrive sooner than anticipated.

The Orioles always knew Basallo had the natural talent and the raw power, that’s why they signed him for $1.3 million in 2021, at the time the highest international signing bonus in franchise history. Last year at this time, he was in minor league spring training after having only played in rookie ball. He skyrocketed up three levels in 2023 though, ending the year in Double-A, hitting .313 with 20 home runs.

He’s now in major league camp as a non-roster invite and, at 19 years old, is one of the youngest in a youthful clubhouse that also boasts 20-year-old Jackson Holliday and a 22-year-old Gunnar Henderson. And while a stress fracture in Basallo’s throwing elbow has slowed his spring, he’s still been able to make the most of his opportunity.