Baltimore Orioles fans are beginning to wonder whether the team will hold on to catcher Adley Rutschman for the 2026 season or look to move him beforehand. The 27-year-old still has two more years of team control before becoming a free agent after 2027.
With top prospect Samuel Basallo already locked into a long-term deal, the Orioles face a pivotal question: is the club better off moving forward without Rutschman in 2026, or is he too valuable to let go? That’s the decision general manager Mike Elias will have to weigh carefully this offseason.
Rich Dubroff isn’t the only voice suggesting the Orioles should keep both Samuel Basallo and Adley Rutschman on the roster for 2026. A platoon approach could maximize each catcher’s value while strengthening the team overall. While Rutschman could bring back a solid return in a trade, there’s no guarantee Baltimore would get the type of package they’re hoping for.
In 85 games this season, Rutschman has hit .227 with nine homers, 29 RBIs, and a .310 on-base percentage. He hasn’t appeared in a game since Aug. 17 against the Houston Astros due to an oblique injury. If he’s unable to return in 2025, his trade value could take a significant hit. That might mean he’ll need a strong 2026 campaign to rebuild his market before free agency.