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MLB rumors: Jeff Passan’s Adley Rutschman trade update opens door to deadline blockbuster appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Adley Rutschman situation is very confusing. The Baltimore Orioles star catcher isn’t even the best catcher on the roster, yet the team is trying to hold on to every ounce of hope that he will turn into a superstar. If he does turn into one, it probably won’t be in Baltimore.
Ahead of the July 31 trade deadline, it seems to be clear that the O’s want to hold onto Rutschman through the rest of the season, according to Jeff Passan.
“The Orioles aren’t exactly looking to trade Rutschman, but they are certainly listening on the former No. 1 pick. Rutschman’s renaissance this season has come at a great time for Baltimore: He’s a free agent after next season, Baltimore has Samuel Basallo locked up long term, and there’s almost no chance of the sides coming together on a long-term deal. This wouldn’t necessarily be a deal for prospects. Baltimore could find some under-control arms and flip from a position of depth to get there. While it makes plenty of sense, one potential impediment is that the teams most in need of catching are in Baltimore’s division. Even so, Rutschman is good enough — and the catching position important enough — that if the Orioles become motivated to move him, they’ll do very, very well.”
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Passan gives the Orioles a 30% chance to trade him, and the teams with the best fits are: The Rangers, Phillies, Reds, Pirates, Twins, Padres, Yankees, Red Sox.
Rutschman is on the IL and could find himself there until the deadline. Teams could still try and trade for him, but it’s becoming less likely at this point in time. The O’s could always trade him next offseason or ahead of next year’s deadline. They cannot afford to let a No. 1 overall pick walk away for nothing. It doesn’t seem that Baltimore cares about that right now.
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