The Orioles could move on from their former No. 1 overall pick Adley Rutschman before the trade deadline.
While the Orioles are not looking to trade Rutschman, they are listening to offers for the 2019 first overall draft choice, according to ESPN.
The outlet gives the catcher a 30-percent chance to be traded before the deadline, saying he’s good enough to demand a strong return for Baltimore.
Rutschman is set to be a free agent after the 2027 season, and long-term deal to stay in Baltimore appears unlikely.
One tricky detail could be that most teams looking for a catcher are in the American League East, the same division as the Orioles.
ESPN lists the Red Sox, Rangers, Phillies, Reds, Pirates, Twins, Padres and Yankees as potential buyers.
Rutschman also suffered a left wrist injury in Monday’s game against Boston that put him on the injured list for the third time this season.
Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said the catcher had been dealing with the injury for some time leading up to the IL and that it’s just from overuse.
Samuel Basallo, a rookie catcher who makes moving Rutschman away a possibility for the Orioles, will now step in.
The Orioles seem content on relying on the young star in the future, signing him to a eight-year, $67 million.
Rutschman, though, is in the midst of a renaissance season, producing in line with his career lines.
“He’s constantly trying to chase his potential, and that’s how you sustain longevity in this game, if you don’t get satisfied with where you’re at, you’re continually trying to find ways to get better and keep pushing,” Albernaz said.
Rutschman has a .251 batting average with an .764 OPS resulting in 62 hits, 47 RBIs and eight home runs in 67 games this season.
The 28-year-old has not be an offense-first commodity in recent years, but the added consistency raises his price.
Rutschman’s year has been impressive defensively as well, with all three of the measured elements falling above average.
