Adley Rutschman's price just skyrocketed after Mariners latest extension

The Baltimore Orioles would be wise to take notice of the Seattle Mariners' latest move — securing their franchise catcher, Cal Raleigh, to a long-term extension. The deal, which adds six years and $105 million to Raleigh’s contract, effectively bypasses his remaining arbitration years and locks in three free agency years at an average of $17.5 million per year for three additional seasons, with a vesting option for a seventh year. This move underscores a growing trend in Major League Baseball: elite catchers are becoming cornerstone investments, and teams are no longer waiting until free agency to commit.

Raleigh’s contract places him in exclusive company as just the fifth catcher in MLB history to receive a nine-figure deal. He most certainly won’t be the last. 

The Orioles find themselves in a parallel situation, with a switch-hitting catcher of their own in Adley Rutschman, a player just a year younger than Raleigh but no less an integral piece to his team’s success. While Raleigh has racked up more defensive accolades — including a Gold Glove and Platinum Glove — Rutschman has proven himself no slouch behind the plate. What Raleigh brings in power, Rutschman makes up for with his superior on-base percentage and batting average. Both represent the heart and soul of their respective franchises, providing leadership on and off the field as their teams aim for long-term success.

The Orioles should follow the Mariners' lead on securing their catcher long-term

For Baltimore, the challenge ahead mirrors Seattle’s recent dilemma. The Orioles are rich in young talent, and contract negotiations will soon become an unavoidable reality. Rutschman’s situation reflects that of the franchise as a whole — right on the cusp of perennial World Series contention, yet still in need of crucial financial commitments to maintain long-term success. If the Orioles truly want to stay in the championship conversation, locking down Rutschman before the market soars further would be a wise move.

Seattle’s deal with Raleigh has, in many ways, set the precedent. A six-year, $105 million contract for a premium catcher who has proven his value both offensively and defensively is considered a steal in today’s market. But Rutschman, already an All-Star with a higher projected ceiling, superior marketability, and the inherent advantage of East Coast exposure, could easily command more. A long-term deal for Rutschman could very well reach the $120-$140 million range, ensuring that Baltimore retains one of the league’s premier backstops for the foreseeable future.

The reality is knocking at Baltimore’s door. The Orioles, a traditionally small-market club, must decide whether to open up their checkbooks to sustain their dominance in the AL. If they wait too long, they risk watching Rutschman’s price further skyrocket as more teams recognize the value of locking up elite catching talent.