In a blockbuster move signaling the collapse of Baltimore’s rebuilding project, the Orioles have agreed to trade star catcher to the Boston Red Sox on Monday, Aug. 3, according to a baseball official with direct knowledge of the transaction. The deal is particularly notable because it sends the three-time All-Star to a division rival.
The official spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity, as the trade had not yet been formally announced by either club.
Rutschman, 28, was selected first overall by Baltimore in the 2019 MLB Draft after the Orioles endured a 115-loss campaign. The organization chose him over highly regarded high school shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., making him the centerpiece of a rebuilding effort led by then-new general manager, now team president, Mike Elias. Following two more 100-loss seasons, Elias continued to stockpile top draft talent, creating what many believed would become one of baseball’s strongest young cores. However, with Rutschman’s departure, that vision has taken a dramatic turn.
While the Orioles won 101 games and the AL East in 2023 and 90 games and a wild card spot the next season, they were 0-5 in postseason games over that two-year span and have badly regressed the past two seasons, entering the trade deadline 54-58 and 2 ½games out of a wild card berth. Elias said Friday the club would remain “open-minded” about dealing their players, including Rutschman.
Rutschman’s trade, which was first reported by ESPN, may signal a greater teardown for the Orioles, who have stockpiled players such as fellow No. 1 overall pick Jackson Holliday and outfielder Colton Cowser that have piqued opposing teams’ interests as the deadline lurches toward the final gun at 6 p.m. ET Monday.
