The Baltimore Orioles enter the 2026 season with high expectations, but one of the biggest storylines surrounding the team is the outlook of Adley Rutschman as he prepares for his fifth year in the majors.
Rutschman was once viewed as the clear long‑term face of the franchise, a switch‑hitting catcher who could anchor both the lineup and pitching staff. Early in his career, he lived up to those expectations, earning two All‑Star selections and a Silver Slugger while establishing himself as one of the best catchers in baseball.
However, 2025 marked a big step back. Limited to just 90 games due to injuries, Rutschman struggled to find consistency at the plate. He finished the year with a .220 batting average, a .307 on‑base percentage and a .673 OPS, along with nine home runs and 29 RBIs. Those numbers were a sharp decline from his previous production and raised questions about durability and long‑term offensive upside.
Heading into 2026, he has made an adjustment in his approach, placing availability at the top of his priorities. “I just want to stay healthy. I want to be on the field… There's nothing worse than having to watch your team from the sidelines and just wanting to be out there to help and be a part of it and be in the mix. I love catching and love being a part of the team. So I think that's the biggest thing for me is just I want to be a part of it all year and make a run,” Rutschman said on MLB Network appearance.
"Our expectations are high... I think we're built for it."
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 24, 2026
- Adley Rutschman on the @Orioles returning to contention after a strong offseason
📺 30 Clubs, 30 Camps pic.twitter.com/x4jlGmQegH
That statement reflects both personal frustration and organizational importance. When healthy, Rutschman remains one of the most well‑rounded catchers in the game, capable of impacting both sides of the ball. But the Orioles now have far less margin for patience than they once did.
With Samuel Basallo already in the majors and locked into the organization’s future after his extension, Baltimore has a legitimate alternative behind the plate. That reality makes Rutschman’s performance in 2026 even more significant.
This is not just about a bounce‑back season. It is about re‑establishing his role on a team with championship aspirations.
If Rutschman returns to his All‑Star form, the Orioles’ lineup becomes significantly more dangerous and balanced. If injuries or inconsistency continue, the organization could be forced to consider a shift in how they deploy their catching talent.
For now, the message is simple. Stay healthy, stay on the field, and let everything else follow.