Overview
- Multiple American League clubs have contacted the Orioles about Adley Rutschman as teams search for catching help and Baltimore is treating him as available.
- The Orioles view the catching market as seller-friendly and are prioritizing controllable starting pitching in any deal rather than a pure prospect swap.
- Rutschman and backup Coby Basallo are on the injured list with arm and wrist issues and each is expected to return later this month, which gives Baltimore short-term depth flexibility.
- An MLB insider reported the Los Angeles Dodgers are unlikely to pursue Rutschman because Will Smith’s rehab is trending well, though outside outlets continue to speculate about hypothetical Dodgers packages.
- Baltimore has added Yohel Pozo and Jake Rogers while designating two catchers for assignment, and trading Rutschman now could supply the rotation help the club lacks after recent prospect graduations.