It has been a tough season for Adley Rutschman. The catcher has played just 85 games due to a pair of oblique injuries. When he has been healthy, his production across the board represents career worsts (.227/.310/.373, nine home runs). Those personal results are part of the reason that the Orioles, as a whole, have severely underachieved in 2025. And just this past week Rutschman saw the organization sign his heir apparent behind the plate to an eight-year extension.

The Orioles long-term plans at catcher seem quite clear. Samuel Basallo, the 21-year-old top prospect, now has a contract that runs through 2033 at least. Provided that he stays healthy and plays acceptable defense, Basallo will be playing behind the plate in Baltimore for a long time to come.

Not so long ago, Rutschman was

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