MLB Rumors: Orioles Trading Adley Rutschman At Deadline Gaining Traction

July 08, 2025
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman rounds the bases during 2025 game.

The Baltimore Orioles are at a crossroads as the 2025 MLB trade deadline nears. 

Sitting at 40–49 and buried in the AL East, the team is left to decide whether to hold firm or start reshaping the roster. One name unexpectedly gaining traction in trade chatter? Adley Rutschman. 

The two-time All-Star catcher, once the face of Baltimore’s rebuild, is now at the center of speculation, with insiders like Jayson Stark suggesting he could be the biggest name moved at the deadline.

Why a Rutschman Trade Is on the Table

Rutschman hasn’t looked like his old self this season. Through 68 games, he’s slashing .227/.319/.372 with just eight homers and is currently sidelined with a strained oblique. 

His bat has been trending downward since his standout rookie year, and while he remains under club control through 2027, Baltimore could strike while the market is starved for impact bats. With few big-name hitters expected to be available this deadline, Rutschman’s value, contract and pedigree included, could command a serious return.

Samuel Basallo Waiting in the Wings

A big part of this equation is top prospect Samuel Basallo. The 20-year-old catcher is crushing Triple-A pitching with a .920 OPS and 16 home runs in just 57 games. He’s widely viewed as one of the most MLB-ready hitters in the minors and could step into Rutschman’s role offensively, if not defensively, sooner than later. 

While questions remain about his glove, Baltimore’s catching depth is thinning fast with injuries to Gary Sánchez, Chadwick Tromp, and Maverick Handley, making a Rutschman trade riskier.

Deadline Dilemma for a Struggling Contender

Despite their underwhelming season, the Orioles are only 7.5 games out of the final AL Wild Card spot. Trading Rutschman would likely signal a white flag, but it could also help retool the roster with controllable pitching or infield talent.

Photo Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

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