Early offseason rumors label Rangers as favorites to land this former top draft pick

Catchers are rarely labeled "generational". Typically they are put on the field for either their bat or glove and only two have been picked first overall since 2002 and MLB's most recent one may be on the move this upcoming offseason.

Those two picks are not displaying strong numbers so far in 2025 and may find new homes in 2026. One of those is Adley Rutschman and there is certainly a lot of fog in his future and the Texas Rangers are considered to be in the mix for his services.

The Baltimore Orioles have found themselves in a conundrum with having too much talent behind the dish and a recent extension to 21-year-old Samuel Basallo may have signaled the end for Rutschman in Baltimore.

Why should the Rangers pursue the former top draft pick?

Rutchsman's prospect status was elite and so was his first few seasons but since a random injury in 2024 his numbers have heavily dipped but many believe the talent is still there.

Texas is likely looking to overhaul essentially the entire offense after this season. It starts with dumping Jonah Heim, who has been the biggest disappointment of the year and Kyle Higashioka is a great backup but not a full-time starter.

Rutschman can fill the need for Texas while giving them a strong switch hitting bat. If you can look past this season's numbers, there is certainly potential for him to fill his potential.

What package would the Orioles want?

Adley is certainly struggling this year and is not a sure thing. There is another player in Texas that may have a similar problem in Josh Jung. If both teams are considering a swap, packaging Jung with a prospect might be worth heavy consideration.

If the Orioles are looking to retool, the Rangers can fit the bill to find Jung a new home along with potentially swapping Kumar Rocker or another prospect. Both have been sent down or benched at times this season and might be nearing the end of their trust level with Texas.

It is not known what Rocker's price tag would be across the league. He has looked incredibly promising or like the worst pitcher in baseball at times but the Orioles desperately need pitching talent and Rocker at least can bring that.

Finding Jung and Rocker new homes this upcoming offseason is looking more likely after recent reports. Rocker was passed on for being called up in a spot start opportunity on Wednesday, in favor of Jacob Latz while Jung has been reported to not be receptive to Texas' coaching and may be walking on thin ice with the organization.

There are certainly gonna be sharks circling around the Orioles for Rutschman. This likely will run into the season with Basallo being a relative unknown and the Orioles being invested long term into Rutschman. This is likely the ground floor for a narrative that is a long way from a conclusion.