Orioles slapped with shocking potential trade bombshell involving Adley Rutschman

There was a blitz of Baltimore Orioles trade rumors during the closing weeks of the 2025 season, suggesting that Adley Rutschman could be traded this offseason. The whispers of such a move at the MLB trade deadline, and Samuel Basallo's arrival and immediate contract extension suggested that the Orioles may actually be setting the stage for a trade of their cornerstone catcher.

The Rutschman trade rumors have all but been silenced to open the offseason, with Mike Elias suggesting that the 27-year-old will be the Orioles' primary catcher in 2026. And, for an Orioles team that wants to contend next season, they could easily fit both Rutschman and Basallo into their starting lineup.

Circumstances change, and that seems to be at the center of Bleacher Report's bombshell offseason predictions. Forecasting moves that will define the offseason, Joel Reuter suggests that Rutschman will be on the move to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Adley Rutschman likely will be back with the Baltimore Orioles, but the Phillies may be just desperate enough

The Phillies are in an awkward spot this offseason, faced with what might be the end of their current contention window, they have three key free agents in Kyle Schwarber, Ranger Suarez, and J.T. Realmuto. Already having bloated contracts on their roster, if the Phillies bring back Schwarber and Suarez, Realmuto could be the one who falls through the cracks. If that happens, the Phillies could make a desperate attempt to pry Rutschman away from the Orioles.

Rueter doesn't mention the package that would be headed to the Orioles, but it goes without saying that Baltimore would prioritize pitching in any deal. The Phillies have two of the best prospects in all of baseball--starting pitcher Andrew Painter and shortstop Aidan Miller--but those two certainly wouldn't be on the table for a catch who has regressed offensively over the last two years.

Dave Dombrowski hasn't been shy about giving up top prospects in a trade where he has a sense of urgency, so the Orioles might be able to land outfielder Justin Crawford as the prize prospect in a Rutschman trade. If not, 2025 first-round pick Gage Wood might be the starting point for Baltimore if they want to ensure their farm system is also in a healthier spot moving forward.

The Orioles won't be trading Rutschman for the mere purpose of moving him. They will need to be faced with an offer they can't refuse, and as it stands, that likely is only happening if the Phillies are involved.