Proposed blockbuster Orioles trade sees Baltimore finally part ways with Adley Rutschman, land MLB's No. 1 overall prospect

Proposed blockbuster Orioles trade sees Baltimore finally part ways with Adley Rutschman, land MLB’s No. 1 overall prospect originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Baltimore Orioles have a bit of a problem on their hands, as they have two starting catchers vying to play in Adley Rustchman and Samuel Basallo. And now, it seems like Rustchman is losing that battle.

With that in mind, Fansided’s Mark Powell proposes that the O’s should part ways with Rutschman through a trade, and make a deal centered around him for the Pittsburgh Pirates and MLB’s top prospect, Konnor Griffin.

MORE: Proposed blockbuster Phillies trade sees Philadelphia part ways with Bryce Harper for MLB’s No. 1 overall prospect

“Adley deserves a new home, and there is no team that needs a catcher more than the Pittsburgh Pirates. Coincidentally, there is no catcher who needs a fresh start more than Adley. The Orioles drafted a backup plan for Rutschman several years back in Samuel Basallo. There’s no guarantee he is a productive offense catcher, either. As for the Pirates, they can land one of the best players at his position in Rutschman on the cheap. That’s just the start, though, as Pittsburgh should demand more via trade. The likes of Coby Mayo or Jackson Holliday (post-injury) could be available via trade,” Powell wrote.

So far in Spring Training, Griffin is slashing .214/.267/.857/.1.124 with three hits, all home runs, for six RBI. In 2025, Griffin started in low A and ended in AA, where he slashed .333/.415/.527/.941 with 23 doubles, 21 home runs, 94 RBI, and 65 stolen bases in 122 games.

Griffin’s latest contract update is projecting a 10-year, $130 million deal. That would be incredible for the O’s, as they already are spending a lot lately.

MORE: Proposed blockbuster Pirates trade sees Pittsburgh deal Konnor Griffin for $340 million three-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger

If the O’s were to trade Rustchman, and either Mayo or Holliday, that leaves an open spot for Griffing to slide right in, either second or push Gunnar Henderson to third, and Griffin gets shortstop. It would also give them three amazing hitters with those two and Pete Alonso, making Baltimore a team to be feared.

Hopefully, they find a way to make this trade, as it could start a new era for the Orioles.

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Proposed blockbuster Orioles trade sees Baltimore finally part ways with Adley Rutschman, land MLB’s No. 1 overall prospect

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