Can the Orioles Star Catcher Turn the Tide in 2025 After a Challenging 2024 Slump?
As we enter the 2025 season, the Baltimore Orioles and their star catcher Adley Rutschman are looking for rejuvenated success after a disappointing end to their 2024 season. Since being drafted first overall in the 2019 MLB Draft, Rutschman has become the face of the franchise, with fellow superstar shortstop Gunnar Henderson joining him as a part of the team’s future plans. The 27-year-old’s journey from top prospect to becoming the cornerstone of the Orioles’ franchise has been a beacon of hope for Orioles fans, symbolizing the change from rebuilding to competing for the playoffs and postseason success once again. The impact that Rutschman had on the Orioles’ turnaround is undeniable, as his arrival in the majors marked a turning point for Baltimore’s improved fortunes.
Following an impressive stint in the minors, where Rutschman hit 30 home runs and drove in 111 runs, the former Oregon State Beavers standout made his MLB debut on May 21st, 2022, ushering in a new era for the Orioles. Since his promotion, the Orioles' fortunes quickly changed as Baltimore enjoyed major success. After Rutschman was called up, the Orioles posted a .586 winning percentage, the third-best record in MLB during the 2022 season. This impressive turnaround was highlighted by a stellar 2023 season, which saw the Orioles claim their first AL East Division title since 2014, finishing with a 101-61 record, the best in the American League. However, despite their regular season success, the Orioles’ playoff journey was cut short after being eliminated by the Texas Rangers in the ALDS, who eventually went on to win the World Series.
Last season, the 2024 campaign got off to a great start for both Rutschman and the Orioles, with the star catcher hitting a blistering .327 in April. However, after enjoying early success, both the team and Rutschman fell into a major slump in the middle and latter parts of the season. Despite this, the Orioles managed to claim a postseason spot but were eliminated by the Kansas City Royals in the AL Wild Card Round. The 2023 Silver Slugger Award winner’s struggles ended up contributing to the Orioles’ difficulties. From July to September, Rutschman’s batting average plummeted below .230 each month, with his worst performance coming in July, where he finished with a dismal .132 batting average. Despite his efforts to overcome his prolonged struggles, the young catcher faced his first significant downturn since becoming Baltimore’s starter.
As the 2025 season approaches, Rutschman and the Orioles are determined to put the disappointment behind them and reclaim their winning ways in the fiercely competitive AL East. The Orioles will be hoping that some of the offseason coaching changes, which saw Baltimore promote Cody Asche as their new hitting coach and bring in former Seattle Mariners assistant hitting coach Tommy Joseph onto their staff, will help avoid another prolonged hitting slump from several of their star players in 2025. Following an offseason in which Baltimore’s front office chose not to pursue a top-tier ace after losing Corbin Burnes to the Diamondbacks in free agency, concerns have been raised about the team's spending. As a result, the Orioles' success in 2025 could largely depend on their star catcher’s ability to bounce back and once again lead the team toward postseason success.
