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Look away, New York Yankees fans. The Boston Red Sox have swooped in and nabbed an All-Star catcher on many wish lists before the MLB trade deadline on Monday.
Three-time All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman is heading to Beantown, as the Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles are finalizing a trade before the 6 p.m. deadline, according to multiple reports.
The Red Sox are surging, revitalizing their entire 2026 season from mediocrity to find themselves in an American League Wild Card position at the moment, while only five games back of the AL East lead. They trail the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays, and are not far behind the Yankees.
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Adley Rutschman No. 35 of the Baltimore Orioles runs to first base during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, on July 18, 2026. (Getty Images)
While players up and down the Red Sox lineup have been hot, Rutschman only adds to that offensive firepower. And the Red Sox definitely believe he can do that because they were willing to get rid of right-hander Anthony Eyanson, their No. 2 prospect per MLB Pipeline, as part of the trade, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Rutschman also holds another year of team control for the 2027 MLB season before he is set for free agency the following year.
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The Orioles were already selling their tradable pieces before the deadline, with starter Dean Kreamer and outfielder Taylor Ward both dealt prior to Rutschman. Baltimore hasn’t had the same luck as the Red Sox, owning a 54-58 record and wishing to go in a different direction moving forward.
But Rutschman has been a good piece for them this season, earning his third All-Star nod as he slashes .251/.331/.433 with a .764 OPS, eight homers and 47 RBI across 67 games this season.
Rutschman is a switch-hitter, creating what should be a middle-of-the-order bat for Boston that can do damage on a playoff-hungry squad.
Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles poses for a photo during the 2026 All-Star player photoshoot at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pa. (MLB Photos)
Behind the plate, Rutschman established himself as one of the best catchers in Major League Baseball. With a pitching staff that boasts some of the best arms in the league, Rutschman should be able to slot right in and take over the majority of the duties there.
However, it isn’t expected that Rutschman can carry a full catcher’s workload anymore, so the Red Sox will have to decide between Connor Wong or Carlos Narvaez in those moments to back him up.
And the Yankees can’t be happy that a player like Rutschman will now be playing for their rival, especially considering their catching woes this season. It’s no secret the Yankees have been in the market for a catcher, with Austin Wells, Ali Sánchez and J.C. Escarra not producing up to expectations this season.
But with Rutschman headed to the Red Sox and the Miami Marlins sending Liam Hicks to the Rays, the pickings are slim as the deadline approaches.
Adley Rutschman #35 of the Baltimore Orioles catches against the Kansas City Royals at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 11, 2026, in Baltimore, Md. (Getty Images)
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But the Red Sox couldn’t care less about the Yankees, as they’re riding high after sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers, who angered many when they landed back-to-back AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal in a trade with the Detroit Tigers that adds yet another superstar to its comically stacked depth chart.
The vibes are high at Fenway Park, and Rutschman only adds to the positivity surging through this major market with playoff dreams in sight.
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