When the Baltimore Orioles look back on the 2025 season, they see more than just a year of decline in the standings. They see what once formed the foundation of their competitive era suddenly become fragile. And no name reflects that more clearly than Adley Rutschman.
For years, Rutschman was more than just the Orioles’ number one catcher. He was a symbol of transformation—a young leader, an All-Star, and a player representing the organization’s long-term expectations. Entering 2025, those expectations remained. But the season quickly took a different turn.
Injuries plagued Rutschman for almost the entire year. He only appeared in 90 games, and even when he was on the court, it wasn’t the familiar version of himself. Instead of a steady bat and confident presence, the Orioles saw a catcher shooting .220, with only nine home runs, 29 RBIs, and an OPS of .673—numbers that were not only low, but also alien to what he once displayed.
That decline didn’t stem from a single cause. According to Harold Reynolds of MLB Network, Rutschman paid the price for the very thing teams often ask of star players: playing through pain, taking on responsibility, and leading the team.
“He’s been punished for doing exactly what you want a player to do—playing while in pain, leading the team,” Reynolds said. “And that hurt him. But I still have complete faith in Adley. When he’s healthy, we’ll see him again.”
That wasn’t just an emotional encouragement. It reflects a broader belief among analysts that Rutschman’s 2025 season was a dip—not a sign of decline. Prior to that, he had been a two-time All-Star, a Silver Slugger, and consistently ranked among MLB’s most complete catchers. Switch-hitter, excellent strike zone control, and the ability to coordinate pitching staff—those qualities didn’t disappear after just one season.
Entering 2026, the landscape surrounding Rutschman has also changed. The Orioles have added Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward, easing the offensive pressure on their catchers. This may allow Rutschman to focus on returning to his best form, rather than trying to compensate for other shortcomings in the lineup.
But the pressure remains—just in a different form. With the Orioles, Rutschman doesn’t need to be the MVP. But they need him as a stable pivot, someone to lift the entire lineup when the game slows down and each at-bat becomes cumbersome. In a demanding division like AL East, the difference between competing and falling behind often lies in “irreplaceable” positions like catcher.
This spring, therefore, is particularly significant. A healthy offseason. A chance to reset physically and mentally. And a question lingers: will the All-Star version of Adley Rutschman return?
Harold Reynolds and many others believe so. But that belief will only be tested when pitchers and catchers report back, when Rutschman steps onto the court with his body no longer constrained, and when each swing begins to show the confidence that once made him famous.
If Rutschman bounces back, the Orioles won’t just have another great player. They’ll have the soul of the team back. And in a year when Baltimore is looking for a comeback, that could be the biggest difference.
Leave a Reply