REPORT: Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman gets real about blocking out ‘external noise’
As the Baltimore Orioles prepare for the 2025 season, catcher Adley Rutschman is maintaining a focused mindset: block out distractions and prioritize winning. With the team coming off back-to-back seasons leading the American League in wins, Rutschman refuses to let outside expectations define their identity.
“Our team’s identity will take shape throughout the year,” Rutschman said, per Jake Rill on X. “Our goal is to shut out external noise and expectations, concentrating instead on what we want to accomplish—going as far as possible and winning a World Series.”
The 27-year-old former No. 1 overall pick is looking to bounce back after a rough second half in 2024. Despite earning his second straight All-Star selection with a strong first half, Rutschman struggled down the stretch, slashing .207/.282/.303 with just three home runs in his final 234 plate appearances—a sharp decline from his early-season numbers of .276/.339/.441.
The Orioles look to make it passed the first round of the Postseason as they head into 2025
Rutschman’s second-half slump mirrored the Orioles’ overall struggles in 2024. Once a dominant first-place team, Baltimore slid into a Wild Card spot and was quickly eliminated by the Kansas City Royals in the ALWC. Analysts, including ESPN’s Jeff Passan, have pointed to Rutschman’s drop-off as a key factor in the team’s late-season collapse.
“Rutschman flatlining… was alarming,” Passan wrote, emphasizing how vital a strong rebound from the All-Star catcher is for Baltimore’s championship hopes.
Despite the rough finish, Rutschman’s talent and leadership remain undeniable. In just two full MLB seasons, he has earned two All-Star selections, a Silver Slugger Award, and recognition as one of the game’s elite catchers.
The Orioles’ front office remains confident in their franchise cornerstone, though a long-term extension has yet to be finalized. The Athletic’s Tim Britton projected a seven-year, $123 million deal as a reasonable offer if Rutschman were to sign now. However, he noted that the catcher may choose to bet on himself and wait for a bigger payday with a strong 2025 campaign.
“In general, you don’t like to sign a long-term deal off of your worst season,” Britton wrote. “Rutschman’s talented enough to believe 2024 was a blip.”
For now, Rutschman is focused on 2025, tuning out distractions and embracing the challenge ahead. The Orioles still have a talented young core, led by Gunnar Henderson, but their World Series hopes may hinge on Rutschman’s performance.
“I feel like I’m in a good spot, mentally and physically,” Rutschman said this spring. “It’s just about doing the work every day and staying locked in.”
Baltimore’s path to October runs through Rutschman, and he’s determined to prove the doubters wrong.