The Baltimore Orioles are off to another disappointing start, and trade speculation has already begun surrounding star catcher Adley Rutschman. Despite being under team control through 2028 and posting a solid .268 batting average across 142 plate appearances this season, rumors about his future continue to grow.
One of the latest bold predictions came from MLB analyst Ben Verlander, who suggested the San Diego Padres could make a blockbuster move for Rutschman before the trade deadline.
“I think the Padres trade for Adley Rutschman at the deadline. Hot take. Just putting it out there so that when it happens I have proof,” Verlander posted on X.
Verlander later clarified that his prediction was not based on the belief that Baltimore will become sellers at the deadline, but rather on San Diego’s growing offensive concerns.
At first glance, the idea sounds unlikely. Rutschman, the former No. 1 overall pick and two-time All-Star, is widely considered one of the top switch-hitting catchers in baseball and a foundational piece for the Orioles.
Still, the Padres’ struggles behind the plate could make them aggressive buyers. Luis Campusano and Freddy Fermin have split catching duties in 2026, but neither has fully solved the team’s offensive issues. Fermin has struggled badly at the plate, batting under .150, while Campusano has hit for average but provided little power production.
Bringing in a player like Rutschman would immediately give San Diego a major offensive upgrade while also strengthening one of baseball’s most important defensive positions.
Even if Baltimore were willing to discuss a deal, however, the asking price would likely be enormous. The Padres would almost certainly need to give up one of their top prospects or a major-league-ready pitcher to have any chance of landing the Orioles star.
The Orioles could theoretically consider such a move because of their catching depth, with highly regarded prospect Samuel Basallo viewed as a future option behind the plate. Still, trading Rutschman would remain one of the biggest surprises of the MLB season.
