December 26, 2024

Remember when Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman was going to redefine the catcher position for fantasy when he debuted in 2022? He hasn't reached those lofty heights, but there are reasons to be encouraged despite a miserable second half of 2024 that dragged down his overall numbers. On June 27, Rutschman was hit by a pitch in his hand and missed a game. The injury appears to have sapped his power and ability to drive the ball. Before then, it seemed he'd ascended towards the catcher god status many predicted: .300 average (.830 OPS) with 15 homers and 55 RBI in 348 plate appearances. After the injury, his line drive rate fell 3%, and his HR/FB went from 13% (above league average) to a feeble 3.7%. The result was quite uncharacteristic, with a .207 average and just three dingers in his final 58 games. Rutschman is expected to be healthy for spring training, and while it would be irresponsible to project him to double his 2024 first half, he may be ready to build on that start as he enters his age-27 season. That could make him a relative bargain now that he's being picked later in early redraft leagues. ATC is projecting Rutschman to bounce back some with a .334 wOBA, 20 home runs,  76 runs, and 73 RBI over 613 plate appearances in 2025. Rutschman is currently the third catcher off the boards at his current NFBC ADP of 64.53, making him a value pick if he can replicate or come close to his projections.--Michael Cecchini - RotoBaller