Red Sox Acquire All-Star Catcher From Orioles

Rutschman, 28, is currently on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to July 19) with left wrist inflammation. The switch-hitting backstop is expected to begin a rehab assignment this week, so his Red Sox debut may not be far behind as long as there are no setbacks.

A three-time All-Star, Rutschman was the Orioles’ lone representative at the Midsummer Classic this season. He has hit .251/.331/.433 with eight home runs and 47 RBIs over 67 games while also playing elite defense behind the plate. Statcast currently ranks him in the 100th percentile for caught stealing above average and the 93rd percentile for framing.

The biggest concern for Rutschman has been his health. The former No. 1 overall pick has been placed on the IL five times in his five-year career, all of which have occurred since June 2025. He was limited to 90 games last season due to a pair of oblique injuries, and this year, he missed time with left ankle inflammation and a concussion before his latest wrist issue.

Rutschman will be arbitration-eligible for the final time this winter before becoming a free agent at the end of the 2027 campaign. He joins a scorching-hot Red Sox team that has won 28 of its last 33 games and currently holds the second Wild Card spot in the American League.

With Rutschman’s time in Baltimore now over, Samuel Basallo is set up to become the Orioles’ full-time catcher. The 21-year-old rookie signed an eight-year, $67 million extension (including an $18 million club option) last year, tying him to Baltimore through at least 2033. In 77 games this season, Basallo has hit .241/.305/.450 with 16 home runs and 46 RBIs.

The Orioles (54-58) entered Monday just 2.5 games out of the final AL Wild Card spot, but with limited trade chips to work with, dealing from a position of depth was perhaps the best avenue to bolster their farm system. They landed three of Boston’s top five prospects in the deal, two of whom are pitchers.

Eyanson, 21, ranks as MLB Pipeline’s No. 49 overall prospect and was No. 2 in Boston’s farm system prior to the trade. The 6-foot-2 right-hander has combined for 16 appearances (15 starts) between High-A and Double-A this season, posting a 1.32 ERA and 0.89 WHIP with 94 strikeouts in 68.1 innings.

Witherspoon, 21, was drafted 15th overall by Boston in 2025 and ranked No. 4 in its system. In 17 High-A starts this season, he has posted a 4.78 ERA and 1.39 WHIP with 78 strikeouts over 75.1 innings. He can miss bats with all five of his pitches, the best of which is a mid-90s fastball that can reach up to 99 mph.

Azocar, 19, signed as an international free agent in 2024 and was Boston’s No. 5 prospect. The righty-hitting outfielder has split this season between A-ball and High-A, combining for a .880 OPS with 18 home runs and 63 RBIs in 85 games. He has good instincts in center but profiles better as a right fielder long-term.

The only major leaguer the Orioles added was Narváez, a 27-year-old catcher who is an excellent defender but has struggled to a .535 OPS in 62 games this season.