Orioles trade catcher Adley Rutschman to Red Sox

Orioles trade catcher Adley Rutschman to Red Sox

The Baltimore Orioles have traded three-time All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman to the Boston Red Sox in a blockbuster deal that signals a full shift into seller mode for Baltimore. In exchange for Rutschman and backup catcher Jake Rogers, along with cash considerations, the Orioles receive catcher Carlos Narváez, right-handed pitchers Anthony Eyanson and Kyson Witherspoon, outfielder Enddy Azocar, and a player to be named later or cash considerations.

The move provides an immediate upgrade for Boston, which has struggled with production behind the plate. The Red Sox catching duo of Connor Wong and Narváez combined for 0.5 bWAR, five home runs, and 27 RBI this year. Rutschman, who is currently recovering from a wrist injury, will join a surging Red Sox club that recently swept the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and won 15 straight games starting July 3.

Rutschman, the number one overall pick in the 2019 draft, has seen a fluctuating career trajectory in Baltimore. His rookie season in 2022 was his strongest, producing 5.4 WAR with a .254/.362/.445 line across 113 games. While he nearly matched that production the following year, the last two seasons have been defined by injuries and declining output. In 2025, he managed 1.9 bWAR and nine home runs during a season where the Orioles finished with a 75-87 record.

Despite these struggles, Rutschman remains an elite talent. In terms of fWAR, he currently ranks behind only Shea Langeliers and Dillon Dingler. Boston acquires him for the remainder of 2026 and the entirety of 2027.

For the Orioles, the trade is a strategic pivot toward a younger core and a deeper pitching staff. Baltimore intends to shift to Samuel Basallo as the primary catcher once he returns from the injured list. Narváez, 27, is expected to serve as a supporting catcher during Basallo's transition. Narváez had a breakout 2025 season with 2.8 bWAR, though he has regressed to below replacement level in 2026, hitting .187/.260/.275 in 62 games.

The return for Baltimore is highlighted by several high-profile prospects:

• Anthony Eyanson: A 21-year-old right-hander and the Red Sox's number two prospect. In his professional debut across High-A and Double-A, he posted a 1.32 ERA over 68.1 innings with 94 strikeouts. While his velocity has dipped to 90-95 mph since May, he remains difficult to hit, limiting opponents to 28 hits across 48 innings in Double-A.
• Kyson Witherspoon: The 15th overall pick in the 2025 draft. He has struggled in High-A with a 4.78 ERA and a strikeout rate under 25 percent. Reports indicate the Red Sox overhauled his delivery, making his arm action longer, which has hindered his ability to repeat the motion and maintain arm speed on his changeup.
• Enddy Azocar: A 19-year-old outfielder who has hit 18 home runs between Low A and High A this year. While he possesses outstanding bat speed and plus power, he has struggled against offspeed pitches.

The deal also included Jake Rogers, 31, who had appeared in only three games for Baltimore this season after being acquired from Detroit on July 30. Rogers is expected to fill in for the Red Sox while Rutschman completes his rehabilitation.

This transaction follows other major moves by Baltimore, including the trades of Taylor Ward and Dean Kremer. By acquiring Eyanson and Witherspoon, the Orioles now possess at least five high-probability starter prospects, adding them to Joseph Dzierwa, JT Quinn, and Caden Hunter.

The trade remains subject to the completion of medical evaluations and final approvals from Red Sox ownership.