Finding His Swing: Is the Orioles Star Catcher Back to Lead Baltimore’s Charge?
Has Adley Rutschman, the Orioles’ star catcher, finally started to find his groove after a prolonged slump that began following the 2024 MLB All-Star Break? The question has loomed over Baltimore for months, as Rutschman, once hailed as one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from Oregon State University, struggled to recapture the form that made him the first overall selection by the Orioles in the 2019 MLB Draft. The Orioles chose Rutschman not only for his switch-hitting abilities and defensive prowess but also for his leadership and baseball IQ, qualities that were on full display during his collegiate career and early MLB days. Yet, as the team stumbled out of the gates this year, the 27-year-old’s lack of production became a focal point, raising concerns about whether he could adjust and lead the Orioles back into contention.
Baltimore’s struggles since the midway point of last season have been well documented, with inconsistent pitching and offensive woes plaguing the roster. Rutschman, who burst onto the scene with an AL Rookie of the Year runner-up finish and a Silver Slugger Award, saw his numbers crater after last year’s Midsummer Classic. His post-break slash line of .207/.282/.303 was a stark contrast to his all-star first half, and speculation swirled about possible injuries or mechanical issues, though neither Rutschman nor the team confirmed any health concerns. As the Orioles’ prolonged slump continued, culminating in another quick postseason exit, the pressure on their young catcher intensified. Fans and analysts alike wondered whether the franchise cornerstone could break out of his prolonged slump and help right the ship.
This week, however, showcased signs of much-needed improvement and signaled that Rutschman could be turning a corner at a critical juncture for Baltimore’s season. The Orioles extended their winning streak to six games on Thursday afternoon with a dramatic 4–3 comeback win over the Mariners, propelled by back-to-back home runs from their two biggest stars, Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, in the sixth inning. In the three-game series against Seattle, Rutschman was the undisputed star, racking up seven hits in 13 at-bats for a .538 average, with two home runs, three RBIs, and four runs scored. Over his past 15 games, he’s posted a .255 average with three homers and seven RBIs, also showing improved plate discipline with six walks. This recent surge is not only a testament to adjustments in his swing mechanics, such as eliminating a toe tap, but also a reminder of the impact a resurgent Rutschman can have on Baltimore’s offense. If he continues to produce at this level, the Orioles’ hopes of closing the gap in the AL Wild Card race and returning to postseason relevance could rest squarely on his shoulders, reaffirming why he was once considered the future of the franchise.
