MLB insider just fueled Orioles trade rumors that are already spreading like wildfire

Adley Rutschman's time in Baltimore may be coming to a close; at least that's what Bob Nightengale of USA Today believes. Nightengale's latest notes from around the league suggested the possibility that the Baltimore Orioles will look to trade Rutschman this offseason; a rumor that's been growing legs since Samuel Basallo signed a contract extension last week.

"There will be no bigger position player on the trade block this winter than Rutschman," Nightengale wrote. The longtime baseball insider later noted that Rutschman will likely be wearing a different jersey in 2026.

This is hardly surprising given the events of this past week. Basallo's contract extension coupled with Rutschman's injury is the perfect recipe for a trade this offseason. Rutschman will be entering Year 2 of his arbitration window, and with Basallo under contract for the next eight seasons, there's little need for Baltimore to keep two high-profile catchers.

Orioles Rumors: Adley Rutschman may be on the chopping block this offseason

One could argue, however, that the Orioles would be selling low on Rutschman. After nearly winning the AL Rookie of the Year Award in 2022 and going to the All-Star Game in 2023, Rutschman has seen a downturn in production the past two seasons.

Though he went to the Midsummer Classic for second time in 2024, his OPS endured a 100-point drop, and his on-base percentage tumbled by more than 50 points. Since 2024, Rutschman is hitting just .242/.315/.385 and now has two separate stints on the injured list.

Rutschman will also be in line for a pay raise this coming offseason after taking home $5.5 million in 2025. For a player coming off his worst season in the big leagues, the specter of paying him more money is never one that owners relish.

Throw in the fact that Baltimore also nabbed two backstops during the early-going of the 2025 MLB Draft, and the writing is on the wall. While Rutschman offers tremendous value behind the dish, his lack of production in the batters' box may lead the O's to jettison him this offseason.

The shine has come off, and though some O's fans are still clinging to the notion that Rutschman could be a linchpin for Baltimore's success in the future, the harsh reality is that he likely offers the Orioles more in a trade than he will on the field. Fans could be watching the beginning of the end for Rutschman's time in Baltimore.

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