The Philadelphia Phillies had a dissapointing end to their 2025 season after being eliminated in the MLB playoffs by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now, as they head towards the offseason, Philadelphia's roster is expected to endure a massive shakeup.
Ranger Suarez may depart via free agency, and it's expected that the Phillies will not retain Nick Castellanos and catcher J.T. Realmuto past this offseason. Luckily for Philadelphia, there is a high-profile name that could fill that catcher void in the trade market.
Phillies-Orioles trade idea sends Adley Rutschman to Philadelphia to fill J.T. Realmuto's void
The Baltimore Orioles' two-time all-star Adley Rutschman has seen a sharp decline in offensive production in the last few seasons, but so has J.T. Realmuto. Adley provides a younger option at the catcher position, and what he really might need is just a breath of fresh air.
The rumors of Adley Rutschman potentially being traded started when the Orioles extended top prospect Samuel Basallo during the season, and Rutschman has yet to be signed by the Orioles' front office.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report recently hypothesized that Adley would be a good trade target for the Philadelphia Phillies:
"Philadelphia Phillies: A Trade for a Catcher
Prime Target: Baltimore's Adley Rutschman (Arbitration-Eligible through 2027)"
If the Phillies don't retain Realmuto, there will be a massive void at catcher. Rutschman is still just 27 years old, but his OPS+ was just 90 this season over 90 games played. He had career lows in home runs, average, OPS, and RBIs. Like I noted, Rutschman may really just need new threads to unlock his two-time All-Star status once again.
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