MLB Trade Rumors: Adley Rutschman Finished In Baltimore 'Before Spring Training'

Adley Rutschman to be on trade block for Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles made an earth-shaking move late last week, signing rookie catcher Samuel Basallo to a record-breaking contract extension. But that will trigger an even bigger move this winter that will be heard 'round the baseball world—the trading of the former top prospect in the game, Adley Rutschman.

According to insider Bob Nightengale, the O's "catcher of the future" is already their "catcher of the past" after just four seasons.

There will be no bigger position player on the trade block this winter than Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman.
Look for him to be wearing another uniform come spring training.

Basallo's opportunity came at the expense of Rutschman, who was forced to the injured list last week with an oblique injury. But even when he comes back, he'll likely be a first baseman and only a part-time catcher.

The 27-year-old is still far more valuable as a backstop, however, at least to dozens of other teams across the major leagues, and he should garner a nice trade return for Baltimore.

Rutschman, though, is having a down season, which does hurt his trade value a bit. After two All-Star appearances and an OPS+ of well over 120 in his first three seasons, he's dropped off to a 91 OPS+ this year, while his .260 lifetime average has plummeted to .227 this season, and he has just nine homers after averaging over 17 a year for the previous three.

The parade of elite position player prospects continues to make its way to the majors for Baltimore, but may we suggest that trading Rutschman for a top of the rotation starting pitcher should be the route the O's should take if they do indeed offer him up for grabs on the trade market.