Once celebrated as an emerging powerhouse in Major League Baseball, the Baltimore Orioles’ outlook has taken a stark turn. A few seasons ago, the franchise’s promising future hinged on standout 2019 draft selections Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson. These young talents, alongside prospect Jackson Holliday, gave fans hope for sustained success, backed by one of the premier farm systems in baseball. However, the Orioles now face the harsh reality of back-to-back wildcard eliminations while sitting in last place in the AL East division, a disappointing reversal from earlier expectations.
Adley Rutschman’s Performance Concerns Spark Trade Discussions
Central to the Orioles’ struggles has been the noticeable downturn in Adley Rutschman’s play. Once viewed as a franchise cornerstone and the number one overall pick, Rutschman’s recent performance has fallen short of expectations. This decline has triggered widespread rumors suggesting the Orioles might consider trading him as part of a larger overhaul. These talks intensified after Baltimore’s recent draft, where the team selected two catchers—Ike Irish and Caden Bodine—with their first two picks, signaling potential plans to shift their catching depth. Furthermore, the lack of any public discussion about a contract extension for Rutschman adds to the uncertainty surrounding his future in Baltimore.
Breaking Down Rutschman’s Struggles at the Plate
Rutschman’s offensive difficulties became evident starting last year’s All-Star break, with his batting average plummeting to .207 and a significantly reduced OPS of .585 during the latter half of the season. Despite expectations for improvement, this season has not shown much progress, as his OPS remains below .700 and ranks him near the bottom offensively in run value. This downturn contrasts sharply with his early career production, where he posted OPS figures above .800 in 2023 and 2024, further bolstered by his exceptional defensive contributions behind the plate. Such a decline has raised understandable concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Why Patience Is Critical for the Orioles
Despite these setbacks, the Orioles are urged to resist quick judgments about Rutschman’s future. A closer analysis of his underlying statistics reveals promising indicators: his expected OPS remains above .800, and his plate discipline metrics—such as chase and whiff rates—rank in the 90th percentile, with walk and strikeout rates in the 78th and 82nd percentiles, respectively. Though his measures of exit velocity and hard contact have dipped below average recently, they are consistent with his healthier seasons. This suggests that Rutschman is enduring a slump rather than a permanent decline and remains an asset with strong potential for rebound.
Rutschman demonstrated signs of resurgence in June, achieving an impressive .890 OPS before an unforeseen oblique injury sidelined him for 10 days, disrupting his momentum. This injury setback has been unfortunate for both the player and the Orioles organization during a crucial period.
Focusing on Pitching as the Path Forward
As the 2024 campaign progresses and appears at risk of slipping away, the Orioles face strategic decisions about their next steps. Rather than panic or dismantle the roster, the franchise’s priority should be reinforcing its pitching staff during the offseason to support their talented young core. Trading Rutschman at a time when he is struggling could jeopardize the team’s developmental timeline and long-term prospects. Maintaining patience and making calculated improvements—especially on the mound—are vital to preserving Baltimore’s potential for sustained success.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much will Adley Rutschman make in 2025?
A. As per Spotrac, Adley Rutschman, the catcher for the Baltimore Orioles, is expected to have a net worth of about $23.89 million by 2025. This amount is based on his contract details with the Orioles, which show that his total earnings include a payroll salary of $5.5 million.