Rutschman excited to join red-hot Red Sox after Deadline blockbuster

BOSTON – Life can come at you fast when you play baseball for a living. One minute, Adley Rutschman was walking into a movie theater to see “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” with teammates Gunnar Henderson, Colton Cowser and Ryan Mountcastle.

The next minute, those three Orioles weren’t his teammates anymore. And the viewing of the latest Spider-Man sequel will have to wait another day.

Rutschman, the man the Orioles selected first in the 2019 Draft who was the centerpiece of their rebuild, learned before he had even gotten a chance to watch the previews that he had been traded to the Red Sox in a blockbuster deal that included three of Boston’s top five prospects per MLB Pipeline.

The catcher, who is currently on the injured list with left wrist inflammation, got acclimated to his new surroundings at Fenway Park, a venue where he had inhabited the visiting clubhouse and dugout many times in the past.

He has a new number (31) because Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet has his Baltimore number (35).

To say it was a whirlwind 24 hours that led to his Tuesday morning arrival in Boston would be an understatement.

“Just a lot of emotion and just trying to get everything together, get moved, get here, and just get right into it,” said Rutschman.

The Red Sox, on the other hand, don’t need any time to process it. They are thrilled to have one of the most respected two-way catchers in the game and look forward to when he can return from the IL.

“I think it's a strong statement to the group to [add] a player like that,” said Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy. “We went out and got a huge addition to our lineup and behind the plate. So, it means a lot. We'll work through getting him healthy and getting him out there. But his history speaks for itself and who he is as a catcher and an offensive player. So, it's a big add for us.”

Rutschman has already started a swing program, so a Minor League rehab assignment might not be far off.

“It's been feeling good,” Rutschman said of his wrist. “Got to get with the medical staff here, and kind of just see what the next steps are moving forward. But it's been feeling good.”

In the meantime, Rutschman will try to get a crash course on the talented pitching staff he will soon be catching.

“I'm gonna get with the pitching staff and the [individual] pitchers. I'm in the same league, so I've been able to see these guys a couple times, and face them and kind of know their arsenal, but I'll make sure to get with them on how these guys like to attack, what their plans are, what they like to do,” Rutschman said.

Rutschman’s time in Baltimore -- which started as that prized 1/1 pick in the Draft, and was highlighted by postseason appearances in ‘24 and ‘25 -- is something he will carry with him. It could be an emotional scene when the Red Sox open a four-game series in Baltimore on Sept. 3.

“Like I said, it's a lot of emotion. A lot of unbelievable memories,” said Rutschman. “Just made a lot of great friends for life. It’s tough goodbyes, but we're on to the next thing, and I'm excited to be here playing. It's all part of the game.”

To come to a red-hot team that is 20-3 since July 2 cushions the blow for Rutschman of being traded by his original franchise.

“The team's been extremely hot, and they’ve been doing a lot of stuff the right way,” Rutschman said. “So, excited to fit in where I can and just try and help the team as best as possible.”

While Rutschman continues to be an elite defender, he hopes to get closer to the hitter he was when his OPS was above .800 in his first two seasons (‘22 and ‘23).

“I think as a hitter, I always have belief and faith in myself that I can continue to go out and do better,” said Rutschman, a three-time All-Star. “And for me, just from a hitting aspect, you’re always trying to kind of find those adjustments that either get you back on track or take you above the level you were at before. So, just a lot of tinkering, but I have a lot of belief and confidence in myself.”

Always lauded for the way he handles a pitching staff, Rutschman looks forward to getting into the trenches with his new group.

“I've always been catching. It's kind of just trying to serve other guys as much as possible. You're trying to serve the pitching staff and figure out how I can best meet their needs,” Rutschman said. “So that's what I'm going to try and do. I'm going to try to be able to serve them as much as possible, and be able to just mold in where I can and find my spot.”