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Trading All-Star Catcher Now Could Net Big Haul for Orioles

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The Baltimore Orioles are poised to have an active offseason following a disappointing 2025 campaign. The annual Winter Meetings will kick off three weeks from now, while talks of free agent signings are heating up. The hot stove is on full blast.

One curious detail in a recent article from Jim Bowden of The Athletic concerns Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman. Bowden writes that Baltimore is one of a few teams that are receiving inquiries about the status of the 27-year-old All-Star. The former Rookie of the Year runner-up slumped in 2025, hitting .220/.307/.673 over 90 games.

Oct 2, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (35) throws to first base against the Kansas City Royals in game two of the Wild Card round for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

While it seems unlikely the Orioles would trade Rutschman, it could potentially net the team a load of prospects. It might also lead to a haul of MLB-ready players the team needs in their pitching rotation and lineup.

The State of Adley Rutschman

There are some warning signs regarding Rutschman’s performance and overall toolset. The 27-year-old hit more groundballs in a single season in 2025, with 43% of them finding the dirt. When hitting on the right side of the plate, his bat speed also slowed from 70 mph in 2023 to 68.9 mph in 2025.

His hard-hit percentage isn’t getting any better, while his location of the sweet spot is shrinking. He’s also struggling to hit line drives, doesn’t barrel a lot of balls, and holds a sub-Mendoza-line batting average against changeups and cutters.

The good news is that there’s still a lot of value that Rutschman offers in a lineup. He still holds a great chase and whiff rate at 22% and 15%, respectively, along with an 11% walk rate. He still hits fastballs effectively, and his defense is servicable.

At the same time, there’s also an injury concern that is emerging for the young catcher. He strained both of his obliques in 2025 alone, landing on the injured list twice. The All-Star also experienced a back injury in August 2024, which could be an indicator that his body might be strained.

Teams Would Love a Catcher with Control

Rutschman is currently in arbitration, but won’t hit free agency until 2028, giving teams three years of control. Several teams are in the market for a catcher in 2026, especially teams that are on the fringe of playoff runs.

One such team is the Cincinnati Reds, who made it to the postseason for the first time since 2020. Tyler Stephenson is a respectable catcher, batting .231/.316/.737, but the lineup needs more depth outside of Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer. If Rutschman returns to form in 2026, he’d easily beat out Stephenson and Jose Trevino for the spot.

Another team that could look for a catcher is the San Diego Padres. Their situation is much more dire than the Reds, where Elias Díaz put up just barely above a .600 OPS. At the same time, top catcher prospect Ethan Salas is flaming out with a sub-.600 OPS in 2024 and injuries in 2025. The Padres are known to try and buy their way to a championship; they may continue their spree here.

The potential dark horse in a trade deal with Baltimore could be the Philadelphia Phillies. They do have J.T. Realmuto, but it might be time for them to look towards the future. His power is fading, and his offensive production overall might be on the decline as well.

Baltimore Should Score Big While They Can

The Orioles are in a weird place at the moment, having players that could be superstars while holding onto a very rusty pitching staff. At the same time, holes in their outfield remain that put the offense in a vortex of sorts. Trading Rutschman could be a way out of it.

Bowden, in his article, suggests the Padres are one of a few teams making calls, along with the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays. The Orioles will not trade inside their division, but a Brewers trade could be interesting. Asking for Logan Henderson following his 2025 debut is a good idea, along with peeling away either Andrew Fischer or Jeferson Quero, depending on where the Orioles place Samuel Basallo.

A trade to the Houston Astros, another team Bowden mentions, could be more likely. Jacob Melton would fill an immediate need in the outfield, while Miguel Ullola could help with the rotation. Still, the Orioles could ask for an MLB-ready player in Jake Meyers or perhaps Jesus Sanchez for their outfield.

A National League destination for Rutschman is the most likely of all the potential scenarios. A trade with the Phillies could net either Andrew Painter for their rotation or Justin Crawford for their outfield, perhaps both if the price is right. The Marlins could also offer Robby Snelling as a piece, alongside a mid-rate outfield prospect in PJ Morlando or Kemp Alderman.

If the Orioles are looking to put Basallo behind the plate, getting a four-player haul for Adley Rutschman is a definite possibility if they can get the right team and name the right guys.

 

Main Photo Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

The post Trading All-Star Catcher Now Could Net Big Haul for Orioles appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.