SerpApi.Org
The Baltimore Orioles are no longer dismissing the possibility of trading Adley Rutschman.
According to ESPN insider Jeff Passan, Baltimore is not actively shopping its three-time All-Star catcher but is “certainly listening” to offers. That represents quite a shift from president of baseball operations Mike Elias saying in June that the organization wanted Rutschman “here forever.”
A trade still appears unlikely, especially after Baltimore climbed back into the American League wild-card race. Yet the Orioles have an obvious reason to consider one. Rutschman can become a free agent following the 2027 season, while Samuel Basallo is signed through 2033 and has a club option for 2034.
The rumors leave Baltimore with two questions: Who would replace Rutschman, and where could he land?
Samuel Basallo would inherit the job
Basallo would presumably become Baltimore’s primary catcher following a Rutschman trade. The 21-year-old has tremendous offensive upside and enough defensive ability to remain behind the plate, although he is not yet as polished as Rutschman.
That distinction cannot be brushed aside. Rutschman handles a pitching staff well, controls the running game and has developed into one of baseball’s better defensive catchers. Basallo may eventually reach that level, but Baltimore would be asking him to continue learning while trying to remain in contention.
There is also an immediate complication. Basallo is day-to-day with right shoulder discomfort, while Rutschman is on the injured list with left wrist inflammation. Sam Huff and Chadwick Tromp provide depth, but neither should be confused with a long-term starter.
Baltimore can replace Rutschman on the depth chart. Replacing his complete impact would be considerably harder.
Which teams could pursue Adley Rutschman?
The Pittsburgh Pirates might provide the cleanest fit. Pittsburgh needs more production behind the plate and has the young pitching Baltimore would want in return. Paul Skenes isn't going anywhere, but the Pirates possess enough controllable arms to begin a legitimate conversation.
The Texas Rangers also make sense. Texas could use a long-term answer at catcher and potentially construct an offer featuring young, major-league-ready pitching. That would allow the Orioles to address their greatest weakness without dealing Rutschman within the American League East.
Then there are the New York Yankees. They need catching help and have already been connected to Rutschman, but Baltimore would require a premium return to send him to a division rival. Trading an All-Star catcher to New York and then seeing him throughout the season would be a fine way for Elias to lose sleep.
The San Diego Padres should never be ignored when a prominent player becomes available. General manager A.J. Preller loves aggressive trades, though San Diego’s acquisition of Freddy Fermin reduces its urgency behind the plate.
A decision that extends beyond 2026
Trading Rutschman would signal that Baltimore views Basallo as its catcher of the future. If they are at the point whereby they are willing to field calls, the Orioles appear prepared for that eventual transition.
Whether they are prepared to make it during a playoff race is the much larger question.
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