Orioles Confront Key Decision on Adley Rutschman’s Future
As the Baltimore Orioles gear up for the 2026 MLB season, fans are buzzing with speculation about the future of their star catcher, Adley Rutschman. With just two years left on his contract before he becomes a free agent following the 2027 season, the organization faces a pivotal decision: should they retain Rutschman or consider trading him?
The Rising Star and the Long-Term Vision
Rutschman, a cornerstone of the Orioles’ lineup, has established himself as a formidable presence behind the plate. However, the emergence of Samuel Basallo, who is locked into a long-term contract, complicates the situation. As general manager Mike Elias navigates the offseason, he must weigh whether keeping Rutschman in the fold is essential for the team’s prospects or if capitalizing on his trade value might be the more strategic move.
Insight from Orioles Experts
In a recent fan mailbag, Baltimorebaseball.com writer Rich Dubroff addressed a question from a fan named Paulius Klimas, who suggested that keeping Rutschman for another season could be beneficial. Klimas proposed that Rutschman could alternate catching duties with Basallo and take on designated hitter responsibilities. He even floated the idea of Rutschman ceasing to switch-hit in favor of focusing solely on left-handed batting, akin to the adjustments made by Cedric Mullins.
Dubroff concurred with Klimas on the importance of retaining Rutschman for 2026, emphasizing that the team would benefit from having at least two catchers, if not three. He highlighted Rutschman’s versatility—able to both catch and serve as a designated hitter—while Basallo, being a left-handed hitter, could also play first base. Dubroff noted, “It would make less sense for the Orioles to have two left-handed hitting catchers,” pointing out Rutschman’s batting averages: .263 as a lefty and significantly lower at .211 as a right-handed hitter.
The Case for a Catching Platoon
Dubroff isn’t alone in advocating for a dual-catcher strategy. Many analysts believe that a platoon system involving both Rutschman and Basallo could maximize their respective strengths and enhance the team’s overall performance. While the allure of trading Rutschman might be appealing due to his high market value, there’s a prevailing sentiment that the Orioles might struggle to receive a return that matches his potential impact.
As the Orioles continue to build toward contention, Elias faces a challenging offseason ahead. The decision surrounding Rutschman could shape the franchise’s trajectory for years to come. Whether they choose to hold on to their star catcher or explore the trade market, the stakes are undeniably high for both Rutschman and the organization.
