As the Baltimore Orioles prepare for the 2026 season, much of the focus has shifted toward how the team’s core players will bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign.
After a few years of contending near the top of the American League East, the Orioles slipped in the standings, and a significant reason was the dip in production from one of their most important offensive players.
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Now, as spring training approaches, national voices are weighing in on what might be ahead for Baltimore’s franchise catcher.
Adley Rutschman entered last season with expectations that matched his status as one of the game’s elite young backstops. Instead, injuries and a prolonged offensive slump limited him to 90 games, and his performance lagged behind his previous All‑Star pace.
Rutschman finished 2025 with a .220 batting average, nine home runs, 29 RBIs and a .673 OPS in 322 at‑bats. Those numbers marked a significant decline from his earlier seasons, when he had been a consistent offensive force and a key contributor to Baltimore’s lineup.
Despite those struggles, optimism is building around his potential to rebound. One of the more prominent endorsements came from Harold Reynolds on MLB Network, who shared a prediction for Rutschman’s 2026 performance.
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“I think, one, for Adley, he got punished for doing what you want guys to do. Playing hurt. Play hurt. Yeah. Be a leader. Do those things. And he played hurt, and it hurt him, and he didn’t get rewarded. And so I think now, I’m still a full‑on believer in Adley. I think he’s a phenomenal player. He’ll bounce back this year healthy, and we’ll get a chance to see,” Reynolds said on a recent appearance.
Reynolds’ confidence reflects a broader sense among analysts that Rutschman’s 2025 downturn was more of an aberration than a true regression. When healthy, he has a track record of making hard contact, drawing walks and handling one of the toughest positions defensively. His ability to impact the game with both his bat and his game management remains one of the Orioles’ most valuable assets.
Rutschman’s previous peak seasons included two All‑Star selections and a Silver Slugger award, demonstrating his ability to excel at the highest level. His talent as a switch‑hitter and his leadership behind the plate have made him a cornerstone of Baltimore’s roster.
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Even with the arrival of other offensive pieces this offseason, such as Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward, Rutschman’s performance will be a major factor in how competitive the Orioles can be in 2026.
For Orioles fans, the hope is that a healthy offseason and a refreshed approach at the plate can help Rutschman return to form. If he does, it could elevate the entire lineup and help Baltimore move back toward playoff contention in a tough division. With Reynolds and others predicting a bounce‑back, all eyes will be on Rutschman once pitchers and catchers report.