Boston Red Sox land three-time All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman in blockbuster trade with Orioles
The Boston Red Sox have made a significant move to bolster their roster for a playoff push, acquiring three-time All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman from the Baltimore Orioles in a five-player trade.
The Red Sox sent catcher Carlos Narváez, pitching prospects Anthony Eyanson and Kyson Witherspoon, outfield prospect Enddy Azocar, and a player to be named later to the Orioles in exchange for Rutschman. Boston also received backup catcher Jake Rogers and cash in the deal.
Rutschman, a 28-year-old switch-hitter, has hit .251 with eight homers, 19 doubles, 47 RBIs, and a .764 OPS in 67 games this season. He has taken a step forward after a disappointing 2025 season, where he hit just .220 with a .673 OPS.
The Red Sox have been looking to upgrade their catcher and shortstop positions, and adding Rutschman provides clear upside behind the plate. The team has won 31 of their last 39 games and now possess the third-best record in the American League behind the Rays and Yankees.
Rutschman's renaissance is real, according to the Red Sox, who believe in his ability to contribute to the team. He has posted an encouraging offensive profile, hitting the ball hard and not striking out much (just 14.1%) this season.
The Red Sox parted with Narváez, who has struggled this season, hitting .187 with three homers, 10 RBIs, and a .535 OPS in 197 plate appearances. Narváez had started 56 games behind the plate this season.
Boston will move forward with Wong and Rogers behind the plate, with Rutschman waiting to take over as the starter in the coming weeks. Rutschman will face a steep learning curve of getting to know an entirely new pitching staff in the coming days and weeks.
Rutschman has faced the Red Sox plenty as a member of the Orioles, with 28 career games at Fenway Park under his belt. He has hit .239 (27-for-113) with three homers and four doubles at Fenway.
Rutschman is controlled through next season and a free agent after 2027. He has been on the injured list three times so far this season: from April 11-21 with left ankle inflammation, from June 20-28 with a concussion, and since July 20 due to the wrist issue.
The Red Sox, in an unusual midseason move, reshaped the future of their catching position in one fell swoop. The expectation is that Wong will take the lion's share of at-bats in the coming days.
Rutschman is expected to return to the Orioles' lineup at some point in mid-August, after being placed on the injured list with wrist inflammation.
Source: Yahoo Sports