Red Sox Connected To Orioles' All-Star Catcher Adley Rutschman

[Matthew Nethercott]

As has been rumored for days now, the Red Sox are in the market, with their AL East foes, the Yankees and the Rays, for a catcher. Reports over the past 48 hours indicate that Orioles' Adley Rutschman could hit the market, with the latest report coming from Mark Feinstand of MLB.com. 

With the Orioles sitting two games under .500 going into their game against the Phillies tonight, their status as sellers could become clear within the coming days.

In a story earlier today, insider Joel Sherman noted that the Orioles will have no issue dealing in the division, saying “one item that will not deter the Orioles if they trade Rutschman is doing so within the AL East, a source said." 

Rutschman is having a productive 2026 after a down 2025, posting a 115 wRC+ over 284 plate appearances, which is much higher than the 92 wRC+ he posted last season. Rutschman has been on the IL multiple times this season, including right now with left wrist inflammation. Earlier this season, it was left-ankle inflammation and a concussion that kept him on the IL for 10 days each.

Rutschman has superstar potential in him and could bring great defense and a great bat to any contender he gets moved to, if he's moved, of course. Rutschman also comes with team control for 2027, so he is not a rental and would be a big impact next season.

 

 

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[notin]

I struggle to believe half of those teams are looking for catchers…

[JoeBrady]

I doubt that the RS are looking at Rutschman.

[JAG]

If true, don't pay too much, this guy is good but hurt every year. Also include Holliday. Bello, Mayer, and a low prospect for them.

[notin]

49 minutes ago, JoeBrady said:

I doubt that the RS are looking at Rutschman.

I think all of our catcher rumors are red herrings.  Possible this trend started last year with all of that empty Dalton Rushing chatter…

[notin]

2 minutes ago, JAG said:

If true, don't pay too much, this guy is good but hurt every year. Also include Holliday. Bello, Mayer, and a low prospect for them.

Mayer for Rutschman? 

An IL for an IL.  Very biblical trade…

[JoeBrady]

1 hour ago, notin said:

Mayer for Rutschman? 

An IL for an IL.  Very biblical trade…

If Rutschman was healthy, and I got 1.2 seasons from him, maybe, if I thought it wouldn't affect the staff.  Of if he was hurt, but I got two seasons from him, sure.

That said, BA is only 1.5 back from the WC.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

1 hour ago, notin said:

I think all of our catcher rumors are red herrings.  Possible this trend started last year with all of that empty Dalton Rushing chatter…

Let's go, Boston Red Herrings!

(cheer the fans who play for the Pickled Herrings).

[notin]

6 minutes ago, JoeBrady said:

If Rutschman was healthy, and I got 1.2 seasons from him, maybe, if I thought it wouldn't affect the staff.  Of if he was hurt, but I got two seasons from him, sure.

That said, BA is only 1.5 back from the WC.

But the Orioles have also already traded away Dean Kremer.  Granted, not a key piece of their staff this year.  

[SoxPhan]

3 hours ago, notin said:

I struggle to believe half of those teams are looking for catchers…

Why? They are all in the playoff hunt and could all use an upgrade. Rays make a lot of sense. Rangers just got O'Hoppe but he is mid at best.

2 hours ago, notin said:

Mayer for Rutschman? 

An IL for an IL.  Very biblical trade…

I'm not huge on Rutschman, but this would actually make some sense. I think we'd need to add to, but if it wasn't too much more, I'd do it for sure.

[moonslav59]

The guy is hurt too much and is not the same guy as the 2022-2023 catcher.

2022-2023

1157 PAs .808 OPS (129 OPS+) and 33 HRs (20 per 162)

9.1 dWAR

2024-2026

1287 PAs .711 OPS (103 OPS+) and 36 HRs (19 per 162)

5.5 dWAR

[SoxPhan]

1 hour ago, JoeBrady said:

If Rutschman was healthy, and I got 1.2 seasons from him, maybe, if I thought it wouldn't affect the staff.  Of if he was hurt, but I got two seasons from him, sure.

That said, BA is only 1.5 back from the WC.

Trading Adley would have no bearing the Orioles playoff aspirations. He's expendable with Basallo now firmly as their #1 C. Would make sense to use him to address other needs. 

I wouldn't mind him if the price were right, but an offseason deal might make more sense.