3 reasons why Orioles might trade Adley Rutschman by 2026 MLB deadline

3 reasons why Orioles might trade Adley Rutschman by 2026 MLB deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Baltimore Orioles are in an interesting spot as a franchise, because on one hand, they’re still in the postseason hunt, while on the other reveals a chance to be major sellers and land a haul to shake up their current core.

There’s been plenty of attention on Taylor Ward in the outfield as a trade target, but catcher Adley Rutschman, even on the injured list, is receiving significant interest. But, will the Orioles trade their fan favorite All-Star catcher?

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel, there are three good reasons why a trade of Rutschman has a real chance of happening this season.

3 reasons why Orioles might trade Adley Rutschman

“Rutschman’s renaissance this season has come at a great time for Baltimore: He’s a free agent after next season, Baltimore has Samuel Basallo locked up long term, and there’s almost no chance of the sides coming together on a long-term deal,” Passan and McDaniel write.

The Orioles are faced with a tricky question about whether to trade Rutschman or not this summer, but these three reasons should open the door to a trade being a realistic outcome.

1. Orioles are running out of control with Rutschman

For starters, Rutschman becoming a free agent after the 2027 season means they only have a year and a half to trade him if he’s not in their future plans.

Trading him now would likely bring back the best value, as he’d not be a one-year or half-season rental. He would be an All-Star starter for 2026 and all of 2027 as well.

2. Orioles already have their catcher of the future

Another big reason why trading Rutschman would make sense is that the Orioles already have Samuel Basallo as their starting catcher long-term.

Besides, the orioles have already paid Basallo $67 million through the 2033 season, with a 2034 club option. That’s a ton of control still left on his current deal. Rutschman doesn’t really fit on the roster with Baltimore’s long-term investment in Basallo.

MORE: Yankees predicted to trade for Marlins‘ Liam Hicks by ESPN

3. Rutschman contract extension doesn’t look likely

Lastly, and arguably most importantly, Passan and McDaniel note the Orioles have “almost no chance” to sign Rutschman to a long-term contract extension.

If the Orioles can’t come to terms on a long-term deal, then there’s little reason to let him walk in free agency for what would likely be nothing of real value.

Instead, trading him over to a new club for immediate MLB or prospect help would make a lot more sense than a compensatory draft pick.

Orioles have 3 good reasons to trade Adley Rutschman

As much as it’d sting to see him go, a trade of Rutschman just makes sense. Obviously, the Orioles won’t simply part ways for a small return. But, with a heated catching trade market and a lack of available catchers, the Orioles might get a huge return this summer.

The Orioles have three real reasons to trade Rutschman this summer. While the odds of a deal are still not great, projected at 35% according to Passan and McDaniel, Orioles fans should be prepared just in case an offer the Orioles can’t refuse is made this summer.

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