With the Baltimore Orioles continuing to struggle to try to play over .500 ball, they could pivot to selling players before the trade deadline in July. Out of all the players available, an Adley Rutschman trade for some pitching help could give the team what it needs the most.
Rutschman Trade Makes Sense for Orioles
Though Rutschman is having a bounce-back season following an injury-plagued 2025, there are some questions about whether he is worth a long extension. Since his 2024 All-Star nod, he’s dealt with injuries and some declining play, resulting in an ugly 2025 season hitting under .700 OPS. He has rebounded and is putting up good numbers, but he seems to really struggle hitting the first-overall pick ceiling he was projected at.
Adley Rutschman has 31 RBIs in 45 games this season. That ranks second among AL catchers.
It is quite possible Rutschman becomes a three-time All-Star this summer. pic.twitter.com/AeWsX4oPJf
— Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) June 4, 2026
At the same time, the Orioles are still in need of starting pitching even with Shane Baz and Kyle Bradish in the fold. It might not be a bad idea for the team to consider moving Rutschman to save money in the future and get some pitchers in return.
Who Would Bite For An Adley Rutschman Trade?
Several teams need catching help, ranging from those dealing with injuries to those with poor play behind the plate.
One team that’s popped up in trade conversations is the in-division rival New York Yankees, who are on the verge of giving up on Austin Wells. Through 2026, he’s been batting a paltry .166/.278/.533 with only four home runs, a steep decline from his 2025 numbers. His backup, J.C. Escarra, hasn’t been any better, with a .162/.216/.452 and no home runs.
News from Joel Sherman:
He sees Ryan Jeffers as the Yankees top C target, they appear to be waiting for him to get healthy. Currently recovering from a left hamate injury.
Added that an Adley Rutschman trade is not out of the question and believes Baltimore wouldn’t be against… pic.twitter.com/7rYZOAblMN
— Everything Yankees (@eyyankees) June 2, 2026
The obvious risk in a trade between Baltimore and New York is that it would be a divisional trade, with the potential for Rutschman to thrive in a new environment. New York’s prospect farm, however, might be too good to pass up by a team desperate for young arms to mold.
The Yankees’ farm system is a healthy balance of pitchers and batters, including top 100 prospects Elmer Rodriguez and Carlos Lagrange. While the Orioles won’t get both, they could still pick up Ben Hess or Bryce Cunningham, two respectable pitching prospects.
Another organization that could benefit from Rutschman’s services is the Pittsburgh Pirates. Henry Davis is at the end of his rope, with multiple lackluster seasons and not living up to his hype, and Joey Bart is also struggling to make inroads.
It’s a likelier destination given he would end up in the National League East, plus Pittsburgh has developed solid pitching over the last few years, including Paul Skenes. While their farm system isn’t as good as it was, they still offer some pitching options, including Antwone Kelly and Levi Sterling. They could also get a bullpen piece, but it depends on how low Rutschman’s stock sinks.
Outside of the two teams, the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, and St. Louis Cardinals could inquire about an Adley Rutschman trade.
What Could The Orioles Get From A Rutschman Trade?
Pitching is the clear focus for the Orioles, whether it be through building in free agency or via trade.
In any given trade, the Orioles could ask for a number four or five rotation starter for their back end, but it’s unlikely they would land a true ace. If the team wanted to, they would likely have to cough up more than Rutschman and potentially add outfielder Nate George or Ike Irish. They would not give up either Luis De Leon or Trey Gibson, their top pitching prospects.
If it were a trade with the Yankees, they could poach Will Warren or Ryan Weathers off the team, or even get Clarke Schmidt as he nears a return. That would benefit the Orioles by giving them a new pitcher to complement Shane Baz, and help the Yankees by clearing out an impending rotation logjam.
The Orioles do need help at the third base position, given that Coby Mayo is arguably the weakest hitter behind outfielder Tyler O’Neill. Looking at the candidate market, in a trade with the Phillies, who have already been busy on the trade market, they could receive Alec Bohm, who could easily replace Mayo and be better on a good day. They could also look to get Nolan Gorman and pitcher Dustin May from the Cardinals.
MLB’s trade market is still forming and won’t be concrete for the next few weeks. If the team wants to compete with the Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays, however, they might have to make an Adley Rutschman trade to stay competitive.
Main Photo: Tommy Gilligan- Imagn Images
