Red Sox acquire All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman from Orioles at deadline

On deadline day the Boston Red Sox completed a trade for All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman, strengthening a 60-51 roster that is vying with the Twins and Rangers for postseason positioning. The 28-year-old, selected first overall in 2019, posted a.251 average,.764 OPS, eight home runs and 47 RBIs over 67 games this season, and ranks in the top percentiles for caught-stealing, fielding run value and pitch framing. Rutschman, who has been on the injured list since July due to wrist inflammation, is slated to assume catching duties from Carlos Narváez and Connor Wong, though the exact timeline remains uncertain.

Baltimore, which possesses depth at catcher, will rely on rookie Samuel Basallo, secured on an eight-year, $67 million deal. The move follows other recent AL East catching upgrades, including the Tampa Bay Rays’ acquisition of Liam Hicks from the Marlins, while the Twins and Colorado chose to retain their current catchers.