By the time the press conference started, at least half of the Orioles’ roster was in attendance. Five hours before first pitch — and about an hour before they are normally required to arrive at Camden Yards — the Orioles’ young core made sure to be there for their teammate on one of the biggest days of his life.

After Samuel Basallo became the first young Baltimore Orioles player to sign to sign a long-term, pre-arbitration contract extension under this current regime, owner David Rubenstein expressed long-term optimism despite the club's last-place standing.