It was another disappointing season for Adley Rutschman. After he was elected as the American League’s starting catcher for the All-Star Game in 2024, Rutschman had a tough second half. He followed that with a tough season in 2025.
For the first time in his career, Rutschman was on the injured list—twice— for a strained left oblique and a strained right one. That limited him to just 90 games, and he hit .220 with a .673 OPS, hitting nine homers and driving in 29 RBIs.
“Being injured is one of the worst things,” Rutschman said last weekend at Yankee Stadium. “More than anything, you just want to be out on the field being able to contribute, be around the guys, help the team. I think that’s definitely a priority going into the offseason for me. And we have great people around to help do that. I think that’s definitely something.
“But not the year we wanted, but I don’t think anyone has any doubts about what this team can do in the future.”
Rutschman’s first oblique injury came in June just as he was showing signs of returning to his pre-All-Star break excellence in 2024. He was hitting .308 with an .824 OPS through June 19th.
“I think when it comes to this season, part of the tough part, but also the good part is that the season’s long, so you kind of go through your ups and downs,” Rutschman said. “Obviously, I want to be healthy and play in every single game and whether it’s good or bad, I want to be out on the field with the guys. So getting injured is not fun. You appreciate being out there, especially when you’re injured, because you want to be on the field with this group of guys.”
In the second half of the season, Rutschman played in just 22 games with a .200 average. After he returned from his second injured list stint, he finished the season hitting just 1-for-14 (.071) in five games.
It was difficult for him to endure his injuries and the team’s unfortunate season.
“Nothing’s given to you in this league,” Rutschman said. “You’ve got to earn it, and I think next year I hope everyone comes back inspired, ready to go, and I know they will. I think that’s the biggest thing. We’ve just got to go out and do it.”
On Monday, president of baseball operations Mike Elias said that despite the emergence of Samuel Basallo, Rutschman would remain the team’s primary catcher.
Rutschman thinks that with him and Basallo and a slew of healthy teammates, the Orioles will improve for 2026.
“I hope so, and I believe so, just because of the quality of guys we’ve got in this locker room,” he said. “I really believe everyone’s gonna take this to heart and be ready to go. I see everyone in his locker room with a very high character and I think that goes a long way, especially in a clubhouse in a team setting.”
Interim manager Tony Mansolino said that there’s another facet of Rutschman’s game that’s been overlooked.
“Sure, I’m maybe a little bit of a dinosaur here but I think catchers should be good catchers and I think people have forgotten that about Adley, and it’s frustrating for me,” he said on Monday in his season-end summation. “This guy has become one of the better defensive catchers in the game. So, while everybody’s kind of pointing at his offense, please let’s not forget that this is the type of catcher that you need to have behind the plate to win a World Series. So, we’ll start there.
“In terms of his offense? Yeah, it’s been a tough year and a half from him in a lot of ways. I think some of it is tied to the injuries and I think some of it, he’s going to kind of have to dig deep and solve some of his issues at the plate. And I do think that he’s in the right mind to do it.
“So, if you wrote out a list of players that I trust in that clubhouse and guys that I trust to look themselves in the mirror and be accountable and solve the issues that they have, Adley is at the very top for me. So, I got a lot of faith in the kid. I think he’s going to solve his offensive woes. I think the injuries were just part of the deal. I think it happens for some guys.
“Unfortunately, he had an oblique on each side. I’m sure one affected the other, would be my guess. I’m not a medical person but use common sense here. But let’s not forget how good of a catcher this guy has become. That’s a very important part of his story here in 2025.”
Rutschman feels strongly about Mansolino, too.
“I mean, he stepped into a role and I think he did a great job,” he said. “He’s got great relationships with the guys in the locker room and does a great job talking with guys, knowing when to push and when to encourage, and he’s got a good feel for relationships with people and the way he goes about his business. So, I think he’s done a great job.”
Now, it’s time for rest, reflection and research before getting ready for 2026.
“I think a lot of conversations to have with our hitting coaches, people around, and for me going into the offseason that’s going to be definitely the No. 1 thing that I’m going to talk about with them. Just trying to make the necessary adjustments to be able to move forward and obvious perform better.”
Notes: Infielders Vimael Machin, outfielder Jordyn Adams, utility player Terrin Vavra, right-handers Scott Blewett and Corbin Martin and left-hander Cionel Pérez, who were with Triple-A Norfolk, filed for free agency. … Left-hander Sayer Diedrich and right-hander Brandon Downer have been added to the roster of the Peoria Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League. They replace left-hander Andy Fabian and right-hander Zach Fruit.
Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com.