Orioles' latest extension could spell doom for All-Star catcher

Basallo has just four games of MLB experience to his name, but the Orioles are investing in his future development at the big league level, with his plus hit tool that could make him a middle-of-the-order bat in Baltimore for years to come. 

On the flip side, this extension comes with potential consequences for Rutschman, who has suddenly gone from franchise player to tradeable asset. 

Selected first overall in 2019 by the Orioles out of Oregon State University, Rutschman was the first prominent figure of Baltimore's rebuild, debuting in 2022 and catapulting the club to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024. And while both of those runs were short-lived, there didn't seem to be much doubt that he would quickly entrench himself as a franchise cornerstone. 

However, Rutschman has struggled in 2025. The 27-year-old has spent time on the injured list, but even when on the field, his OPS of .684 and OPS+ of 92 are both below-average and short of his career .758 OPS and 116 OPS+, respectively. 

That lack of production, combined with injuries, has clearly sown doubt into the Orioles' belief that he will remain a key cog of Baltimore's future. And while it's possible that Basallo could eventually move to first base down the line, that doesn't change the perception that Rutschman might feel like an odd man out at Camden Yards.

For years, many Orioles fans and pundits had been calling for Rutschman to be extended, along with shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who continues to shine amid larger team struggles. That doesn't seem to be the direction executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias is taking, though, as he appears content to let Rutschman and Henderson walk when they reach free agency. 

And in the case of Rutschman, specifically, he could now become an intriguing trade chip this winter if the Orioles are so inclined.