Adley

Rutschman

Adley had a rough season, hitting .220/.307/.366 with nine home runs and 29 RBI in 90 games. However, his batted ball data and plate discipline suggested that he deserved far better. With the Orioles already committing to him as their starting catcher next season, Rutschman could be a solid bounce-back candidate in fantasy in 2026.

There were some questions about whether or not the Orioles were looking to turn things over to top prospect Samuel Basallo after Rutschman had a disappointing 2025 season, but that does not appear to be the case. Elias did imply that there is room for the team to have two good catchers, which means both Rutschman and Basallo should see regular playing time behind the dish. If the Orioles also move on from Ryan Mountcastle, then there could be additional at-bats at first base and/or designated hitter for Basallo in 2026.

Rutschman has gone 1-for-11 with a triple in four games since returning from the injured list earlier this week following a five-week absence recovering from an oblique strain. Some signs of rust were inevitable since the 27-year-old backstop got only a handful of rehab contests under his belt prior to making it back to Baltimore. It’ll be top prospect Samuel Basallo handling the catching duties during Saturday afternoon’s matinee affair at Yankee Stadium.

Rutschman is back handling the catching duties for the final week of the season following a five-week absence recovering from an oblique strain. The 27-year-old backstop has made a pair of trips to the injured list this year after managing to avoid the shelf during his first three seasons. He should be fully healthy heading into spring training and projects as a potential 20-homer bat and a logical bounce-back candidate.

Rutschman is back from his second oblique strain after going 4-for-16 with a homer in four games for Triple-A Norfolk. One imagines he’ll start three or four games this week, with Samuel Basallo maybe DHing in a couple of those. Ryan Mountcastle figures to lose some at-bats.

Rutschman figures to make it back to Baltimore for the final week of the regular season after a couple rehab contests to get back up to speed. The 27-year-old backstop has been out since mid-August recovering from a right oblique strain.

Orioles interim manager Tony Mansolino said Rutschman is likely to embark on a minor league rehab assignment this week. There isn’t much time for him to make it back to Baltimore, but it sounds like there’s a chance he returns for the final week of the season.

If Rutschmann is about to make it back, it will likely be for only the final week of the season. Gary Sánchez could beat him back next week to share time with Samuel Bassallo.

Rutschman hit the injured list for the second time this season when he was diagnosed with right oblique strain earlier this week. The 27-year-old backstop told reporters he believes he’ll make it back more quickly than the previous left oblique issue that kept him out for more than five weeks. It’ll be top prospect Samuel Basallo, who just inked an eight-year, $67 million contract extension this weekend, taking over as Baltimore’s starting catcher in his absence.

The long-term extension is now official. The 21-year-old phenom, who debuted last weekend, is viewed as a future cornerstone bat capable of anchoring the middle of Baltimore’s order. While he’ll get opportunities at catcher early in his career — splitting time with Adley Rutschman — it’s widely expected he’ll transition to first base over time to preserve his offensive upside and prevent injury. His combination of elite raw power, frequent hard contact, and decent plate skills make it easy to forecast Basallo as one of the premier fantasy backstops beginning in 2026.