Sources: O's trade All-Star C Rutschman to BoSox
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- Baltimore Orioles traded three-time All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman to the Boston Red Sox on Monday, receiving top right-handed pitching prospect Anthony Eyanson, outfield prospect Enddy Azocar, right-hander Kyson Witherspoon, catcher Carlos Narvaez, and a player to be named or cash.
- Rutschman is currently on the injured list with left wrist inflammation — his third IL stint this season after April's ankle inflammation and a June concussion — and is hitting .251 with eight home runs and 47 RBIs.
- The Orioles made Rutschman expendable by signing young slugger Samuel Basallo to a long-term deal before this season, clearing the path for a trade despite Rutschman's career .254 average, 69 home runs, and 277 RBIs across five MLB seasons.
- Rutschman, 28 and a former No. 1 overall draft pick, remains under team control through 2027, and when healthy posts an expected on-base average that ranks second-best of his career behind his 5.5-WAR 2023 season.
- Baltimore also sent right-handed reliever Tyler Wells to the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday as part of their deadline activity with division rivals.
- The Red Sox were equally active, adding outfielder Eli White from the Braves for righty Tyler Uberstine and finalizing a deal for left-handed reliever Erik Miller (2.76 ERA, 10 holds, four saves) from the Giants for infielder Marcelo Mayer.
Why it matters: The Orioles are publicly pivoting from a former No. 1 pick and three-time All-Star while he's hurt, having locked up Samuel Basallo long-term as their catcher of the future. Boston lands a 28-year-old switch-hitter under team control through 2027 at a modest prospect cost, but three IL trips in 2025 make durability a real question at the catching position.
