MLB Trade Rumors: Proposed Deal Lands Rutschman With NY Mets

Adley Rutschman is a trade candidate this offseason

There was a time when Francisco Alvarez was the No. 1 prospect and undisputed catcher of the future for the New York Mets well into the next decade, especially after his 25-HR debut in 2023. But after two disappointing seasons, both due to injury and underperformance, could the Mets be ready to beef up their catching position?

It just so happens that there's a premier backstop, Adley Rutschman, who could very well be available for trade this offseason—one insider said he's good as gone from Baltimore by next spring—and the Mets could be a prime candidate to swing a deal for him.

After two All-Star seasons, Rutschman is having a down year in 2025, with all of his offensive numbers across the board taking a significant dip. Does that lower his trade cost at all?

Jim Riley of Ballcap Sports has come up with this proposed deal that would send Rutschman to Queens—but not to replace Alvarez, but rather to create a two-headed catching/DH monster of sorts with him:

New York Mets Receive:

Adley Rutschman

Baltimore Orioles Receive:

Luis Torrens
Boston Baro (#21 Mets prospect)
Marco Vargas (former top 10 Mets prospect)

Riley figures that Torrens would be a great mentor for the raw prospect Samuel Basallo, whom the Orioles have just signed to a massive long-term deal as their catcher of the future. Torrens, who's terrific defensively, could help Basallo hone his skills behind the plate, and then the veteran becomes a free agent after next season so no further commitment would be needed by the O's.

He also notes that the Mets' infield is already pretty crowded, with youngsters Ronny Mauricio and Brett Baty, along with Francisco Lindor, Jeff McNeil, and Mark Vientos, so dealing off a couple of young prospects (Baro is 21, Vargas, who was their #8 prospect last year, is just 20) is dealing from strength.

Now, one thing that Riley didn't take into consideration here with this proposal is the fact that if you think the Mets are stacked in the infield, how about the Orioles?! A grouping of Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, Jordan Westburg and Coby Mayo doesn't leave much of an opening for young infield prospects.

But what Baltimore does need—big time—is starting pitching.

Now, if one of Nolan McLean or Jonah Tong, two splendid young right-handed pitching prospects, just getting their feet wet in the majors, were to be included here, you might have something.