February 6, 2026

Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutchman is one of the biggest mysteries heading into the 2026 season. On one hand, his upside is enormous. The former first overall pick in the MLB draft launched himself into fantasy stardom in 2023 by belting 20 homers and posting a near 1:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. That season, he led all catchers with a .374 on-base percentage and was the only catcher with at least 80 runs and 80 RBI. Those highs feel like another lifetime for fantasy mangers that rostered Rutchman through his injury-plagued 2024 & 2025 seasons. Rutchman played most of the 2024 season and hit 19 homers, but his rate-based stats plummeted as he only slashed .250/.318/.391. This down season was blamed on a hand injury that required surgery that offseason. In 2025 though, things got worse as Rutchman struggled to the tune of a .220 batting average, .307 OBP, and .366 slugging percentage while being limited to just 90 games thanks to two separate IL stints (oblique). Further complicating matters is top-prospect Samuel Basallo, who will eat into Rutchman's playing time behind the plate. Early Rotoballer average draft position ranks Rutchman as the 14th catcher off the board; sky-high upside makes him worth a look at that price one year removed from being the first catcher drafted in most leagues.--Mike Schwarzenbach - RotoBaller