Get ready for a wild ride, because the MLB Network rankings have just given Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman a massive boost of motivation!
The annual MLB Network Top 10 players at each position lists have been a source of excitement and debate among fans and players alike. In 2024, Rutschman claimed the top spot as the No. 1 catcher, and he maintained his position as No. 2 in 2025. However, the recently released 2026 rankings have left Rutschman off the board entirely, marking the first time he's been underrated in his career.
But here's where it gets controversial...
If you believe in the wisdom of "The Shredder" (a renowned baseball analyst), the Baltimore Orioles might be in a bit of a pickle. Since Rutschman's debut, the team's success has been intricately linked to his performance, more so than any other player. His career OPS consistently hovered above .800 until June 2024, and during that period, the Orioles dominated as the winningest team in the American League.
However, Rutschman has been in a horrific slump since July 2024, and the Orioles' record has reflected this downturn. If Adley is no longer a top-10 catcher, it could significantly impact the Orioles' future prospects. But fear not, there's a silver lining!
Rutschman's offensive prowess has always been rooted in his approach at the plate. He's a disciplined hitter who doesn't chase pitches outside the zone and rarely strikes out. Consistently ranking in the upper percentile of the league for walk rate and strikeout rate, he's been a staple at the top of the lineup, even during his recent struggles.
Let's take a look at his stats over the years:
| Year | Chase% | Whiff% | K% | BB% |
| ---- | ------ | ------ | -- | --- |
| 2022 | 23.1% | 17.9% | 18.3% | 13.8% |
| 2023 | 23.4% | 15.6% | 14.7% | 13.4% |
| 2024 | 28.9% | 17.1% | 16.1% | 9.1% |
| 2025 | 21.7% | 14.5% | 15.6% | 11% |
Despite the slump, Rutschman's offensive tools remain intact, and his approach is still solid. There's no indication that pitchers have found a way to exploit his swing. It's highly likely that he'll continue to exhibit excellent plate discipline and force pitchers to work hard in 2026.
When Rutschman is at his peak, he's a line drive machine. For most of his career, his line drive rate has consistently stayed above 22%, which typically places him in the top 20 in the league. However, in the latter half of 2024, his line drive rate dipped to 20%, and it further declined to 17% in 2025, pushing him outside the top 200 in the league.
While a line drive rate of 17% might not sound impressive, it's important to note that many power hitters, like Juan Soto, Shohei Ohtani, and Fernando Tatis, have lower rates. These players prioritize power and bat speed to hit home runs. Rutschman certainly has power, but his true strength lies in spraying line drives all over the field.
With Craig Albernaz at the helm as manager, there's a renewed focus on individualized hitting plans for each player. For Rutschman, this could mean a return to the fundamentals that made him a great hitter in the early part of his career.
Additionally, after multiple trips to the IL in 2025, there's hope that Rutschman will be fully healthy in 2026. So, while MLB Network might not be giving him the recognition he deserves, Orioles fans shouldn't lose hope just yet.
What do you think? Is Rutschman's slump a temporary blip, or has he lost his edge? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
