The Red Sox have pulled off a blockbuster trade, acquiring three-time All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman from the Orioles in a stunning intra-division deal. The 28-year-old switch-hitter, who was the first overall pick in 2019, is expected to upgrade one of the most offensively inept positions on the Red Sox roster.
The trade marks the end of a failed rebuild in Baltimore, where the Orioles have badly regressed over the past two seasons, entering the trade deadline 54-58 and 2 ½ games out of a wild card berth. Despite winning 101 games and the AL East in 2023 and 90 games and a wild card spot the next season, the Orioles have struggled in the postseason, going 0-5 in games over that two-year span.
Rutschman is currently on the injured list with left wrist inflammation, but Orioles club president Mike Elias said Friday that he should be ready to embark on a rehab assignment this week. The Red Sox, who have been baseball's hottest team for a month, winning 23 of their past 26 games, will look to upgrade their catching position, which has been a liability with catchers combining to bat .219 and hitting just four home runs, fewest in the major leagues.
The trade is a significant upgrade for the Red Sox, who will now have a catcher with a career .756 OPS, 115 adjusted, and who hit a career-best 20 home runs in 2023. Rutschman has also shown much better this season, earning an All-Star nod after a strong first half, and is a net positive behind the plate, enabling the Red Sox to hew to their run prevention mantra while providing a sentient offensive presence in the lineup.
The Red Sox will now look to integrate Rutschman into their lineup, which has been bolstered by a strong second half. With Rutschman's expected return, the Red Sox will have a more formidable catching duo, alongside Carlós Narvaez and Connor Wong, and will look to make a deep run in the postseason.
The trade is a significant move for the Red Sox, who have been one of the hottest teams in baseball over the past month. With Rutschman's addition, the Red Sox will now have a more potent offense and will look to make a push for the AL East title.
Source: Yahoo Sports