New Delhi, Aug. 22 -- In a landmark move for the Baltimore Orioles, top prospect Samuel Basallo has agreed to sign an eight-year, $67 million contract extension. Notably, the deal was finalized shortly after Basallo's Major League debut on August 17 and marks the largest pre-arbitration extension ever for a catcher. With a club option and performance-based incentives that could push the total value to $88.5 million, the agreement highlights the Orioles' belief in the 21-year-old's potential to shape the franchise's future.

The most significant factor making Samuel Basallo's extension historic is its status as the largest pre-arbitration contract ever for a catcher. Pre-arbitration extensions, signed before a player is eligible for salary...