The Baltimore Orioles (59-70) made a probably franchise-altering transfer this week.
Regardless of having simply 4 video games of MLB expertise beneath his belt, the O’s had been snug sufficient at hand high catching prospect Samuel Basallo an eight-year, $67 million contract.
What does this imply for Adley Rutschman’s future? That’s the query everyone seems to be asking, and in line with insider Bob Nightengale, that future shall be elsewhere.
The 2019 first total decide would draw loads of curiosity on the commerce market given his age, place and potential.
With the writing showing to be on the wall for his time in Baltimore, let’s check out the three greatest offseason commerce touchdown spots for Rutschman.
The Cubs (75-55) stand out as one in every of, if not the very best, locations for Rutschman.
After lacking the playoffs in 5 of the final six seasons, the Cubs are poised to make a return to the postseason and shall be all-in for years to return. Veteran catcher Carson Kelly has been a stable free agent signing, however Rutschman could be a large upgr
ade and an ideal match with the remainder of their younger core.
President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has stated he needs to be aggressive, and he’s bought loads of prospect capital at his disposal to get one thing achieved.
With beginning pitcher Tarik Skubal beneath contract, the time to swing huge is now for the Tigers (78-53).
Pretty much as good as catcher Dillon Dingler has been this season, Rutschman’s upside and potential are too good to go up. The Tigers have gotten nice manufacturing all through the lineup in 2025, however yet one more middle-of-the-order bat nonetheless feels wanted.
Detroit has probably the greatest
prospect swimming pools in all of baseball and a number of other younger main league gamers it may use as commerce chips to land Rutschman.
When are the Padres (74-56) not in on an all-star participant that turns into obtainable?
Not solely is Rutschman that, however he would fill one in every of their greatest positional wants at catcher. It’s been a revolving door of gamers behind the plate for years in San Diego, and whereas Freddy Fermin was a pleasant pickup, Rutschman is a distinct stage of participant.
The Padres’ farm system isn’t the strongest given all of their exercise at current deadlines, however you may by no means rely basic supervisor A.J. Preller out.
