Phillies Expected to Pursue Orioles All-Star Catcher Adley Rutschman in Major Offseason Shift

The Baltimore Orioles have locked up 21-year-old catcher Samuel Basallo with an eight-year, $67 million extension after his late-2025 call-up, part of a youth-driven rebound following a disappointing season that also elevated prospects like Dylan Beavers. Basallo’s emergence, combined with Adley Rutschman’s injury-plagued, down 2025 (.220/.307/.366 in 90 games) campaign, has fueled speculation that Rutschman could become expendable and a trade candidate. The Philadelphia Phillies enter the offseason with major roster questions — including the futures of J.T. Realmuto, Ranger Suárez and several free agents — and have been linked as a potential landing spot for Rutschman if they need a replacement behind the plate. Kyle Schwarber’s MVP-level 56-homer season has made him the most pursued bat in free agency, with projections of a lucrative multi-year offer and competition from teams like the Dodgers and possibly the Red Sox, though analysts are split on whether Philadelphia should re-sign him long-term. Alex Bregman plans to opt out of his Red Sox deal and is another high-profile target for the Phillies; adding him would be expensive and could displace Alec Bohm, underscoring Philadelphia’s difficult offseason decisions as it chases a World Series return.