Orioles’ Adley Rutschman Unlikely to Be Traded Despite Down 2025 Season Summary: While Baltimore catcher Adley Rutschman had a difficult 2025, experts believe

Adley Rutschman, Baltimore’s first overall pick in 2019, has quickly become a cornerstone of the Orioles franchise. After making his MLB debut in 2022, he established himself as the team’s everyday catcher, earning back-to-back All-Star nods in 2023 and 2024.

However, 2025 proved challenging for Rutschman. Limited to 90 games, he posted career lows across nearly every offensive category, finishing the season with a .220 batting average, .307 on-base percentage, and .366 slugging percentage. He also battled oblique strains during the summer, which further affected his performance.

Despite the down year, Rutschman’s career to date remains impressive. In his first three MLB seasons, he accumulated 13.1 bWAR with 52 home runs, 201 RBIs, and a .772 OPS, establishing himself as one of the premier young catchers in the league.

Baltimore, meanwhile, experienced a significant regression. Following consecutive 90-plus-win seasons and playoff appearances, the Orioles finished 75-87 in 2025 and fired manager Brandon Hyde in May after a 15-28 start.

1. Trade Speculation and Obstacles

Rumors have surfaced regarding a potential Rutschman trade this offseason, though industry experts consider the likelihood low. Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com noted that Rutschman’s struggles over the past season and a half are the only reason the discussion has emerged. For the Orioles to even consider a trade, they would need to be confident in 21-year-old Samuel Basallo’s ability to handle at least 120 games behind the plate—a heavy burden for a player with only 31 MLB appearances. Additionally, Dubroff emphasized that any trade package would have to include a top-tier starting pitcher with at least two years remaining before free agency. He noted that the cost of acquiring such a player would be extremely high. Even with his down year, Rutschman’s talent and overall track record make him a highly valuable asset, reducing the likelihood of a trade unless Baltimore receives an offer that outweighs his future potential.

2. Rutschman’s 2025 Performance and Career Overview

Rutschman’s 2025 season was marred by injuries and offensive struggles, leaving him with a .220/.307/.366 slash line and limited contributions in power and on-base metrics. These numbers were a stark contrast to his strong output in previous seasons. Prior to 2025, Rutschman had compiled 13.1 bWAR, hit 52 home runs, driven in 201 RBIs, and scored 222 runs in just three MLB seasons. His blend of power, plate discipline, and defensive skills have made him one of the game’s most promising young catchers. Despite the personal struggles, Rutschman’s presence remained crucial to the Orioles’ development strategy. He provides leadership and stability at a position that historically has been difficult for Baltimore to fill. Looking forward, Rutschman remains under team control through arbitration, having agreed to a $5.5 million contract last offseason. He is eligible for free agency in two years, giving the Orioles additional time to build around him.

3. Baltimore’s Future Plans

The Orioles are in a rebuilding and recalibration phase following their disappointing 2025 campaign. While Rutschman’s struggles may have sparked trade chatter, the organization is unlikely to move a player who remains central to its long-term plans. Baltimore will need to decide whether to invest in developing Basallo as a backup or potential everyday catcher while keeping Rutschman as the cornerstone of the roster. Any major trades involving Rutschman would hinge on securing a premium starting pitcher capable of leading the rotation for multiple seasons. With Rutschman under arbitration and team control for the next two seasons, the Orioles have flexibility to address roster needs without giving up on one of baseball’s top young talents. His health and performance in 2026 will likely dictate whether trade discussions resurface in the future. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir=“auto” tabindex="-1" data-turn-id=“request-WEB:2f387f61-26a8-4a3e-8748-06d9f5659c2b-23” data-testid=“conversation-turn-32” data-scroll-anchor=“true” data-turn=“assistant”>

Despite a down 2025 season, Adley Rutschman is unlikely to be traded this offseason, with the Orioles preferring to retain their star catcher as a cornerstone of the franchise.