The Boston Red Sox are reportedly close to finalizing a deal for Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, per MLB insider Jon Heyman.
"Red Sox are moving closer to a deal for Adley Rutschman," Heyman wrote on Monday. "Not done yet but very good chance."
Some outlets are reporting that a deal is done, and that Rutschman will be joining the Red Sox, but there is no official word yet. Regardless, there seems to be momentum and a deal could be close to being finalized.
Rutschman would be the new everyday catcher in Boston, but is currently on the 10-day injured list with wrist inflammation. His injury could slow down the trade process, but if the Red Sox want him, they need to agree to something before 6 p.m. EST. Rutschman was an All-Star this year and would be a great addition to the lineup.
He has a .764 OPS on the season, but just eight homers. He hit 52 home runs in his first three seasons in the big leagues. He will not be a cheap acquisition if the Red Sox get a deal done. He has one more year of club control, and the catching market is very thin at this year's deadline.
Ryan Jeffers is expected to stay put, and Hunter Goodman will require a massive haul to get out of Colorado. Rutschman is a star catcher who can help any contender, but especially the Red Sox. Carlos Narváez has a .535 OPS this season. Connor Wong has actually played well, but Rutschman is a clear upgrade.
The New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays are also in need of an upgrade at catcher, and have been linked to Rutschman. Adding him would not only help the Red Sox, but also hurt two of their rivals, whom they are trying to pass in the standings.
The Orioles also just traded Taylor Ward to the Seattle Mariners, meaning they could be looking to replace him in the outfield. It would not be a shock if Jarren Duran is involved in a deal for Rutschman. The medical review for Rutschman will be key for the Red Sox. Their staff has taken plenty of heat this year for how injuries to Roman Anthony, Curtis Mead, Garrett Crochet and Trevor Story have been handled.
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