While Baltimore Orioles fans are sure to be celebrating the team’s string of successful picks during Day 1 of the 2025 MLB Draft, catcher Adley Rutschman might be somewhat confused at the moment.
The O’s grabbed Auburn catcher Ike Irish with the 19th pick in the draft after he fell out of the top 10, and then doubled down with the selection of Coastal Carolina backstop Caden Bodine at No. 30.
The broadcast team on the set of MLB Network’s draft coverage doesn’t like what the Orioles’ first-round selections say about Rutschman’s future in Baltimore.
“It’s not a good sign for Adley Rutschman with three catchers now among their top prospects,” host Greg Amsinger said.
While it’s quite possible that Irish could (and should) eventually move to a outfield corner spot, Bodine is sure to stick behind the dish.
Throw in top prospect Samuel Basallo, and you can see why the MLB Network crew believe that Rutschman’s time in Baltimore could be short-lived.
MLB Draft experts signal Adley Rutschman’s departure after Orioles select Ike Irish and Caden Bodine
Rutschman has run into a wall during the 2025 season.
Not only is he struggling offensively, but the O’s starting backstop is currently on the injured list with an oblique strain.
Rutschman is scheduled to catch at the team’s facility in Florida next week, but it’ll still be closer to the end of the month before he’s back on the active roster.
Rutschman was thought to be a cornerstone of the franchise a few years ago.
In 2023, Rutschman hit 20 homers while posting a .277/.374/.435 slash line. Last season, however, Rutschman’s OPS dropped 100 points, and after appearing in 68 games this season, he’s hitting just .227/.319/.372.
Rutschman is under team control through the 2027 season.
However, if the O’s starting backstop fails to turns things around this season, it’s unlikely that Baltimore will want to entertain signing the backstop to a long-term deal unless he wants to take a severe discount.
It remains be seen what Baltimore’s long-term plans are for Rutschman, but at the very least, GM Mike Elias’ early selections on Sunday evening signaled that the Orioles have a contingency plan in place.
Rutschman will need a strong second-half or else he’s bound to be hearing footsteps behind him heading into next season.
