Adley Rutschman: Reluctant star navigating Orioles-to-Red Sox trade
Adley Rutschman, a star catcher who shuns the spotlight, has been traded from the Orioles to the Red Sox and leaned on his father for help during the abrupt transition.
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Pirates September: five storylines as postseason odds fade
With playoff odds still slim, September offers the Pirates a chance to shape next season: a strong finish could influence offseason decisions; how the team handles the workloads of young starters (Ashcraft, Chandler, Jones, Skenes) will matter for 2027; Rafael Flores Jr. may cement the catching role with Endy Rodriguez out and Henry Davis slumping; Camilo Doval's arbitration year makes the bullpen a focal point; and September call-ups (Dotel, Barco, Simon) could alter depth and future projections.
Padres Promote Ethan Salas, Youngest MLB Player in 2026
San Diego Padres call up top catching prospect Ethan Salas, making him the youngest player in MLB in 2026 and potentially the youngest catcher since Iván Rodríguez in 1991, after a strong rebound season that saw him reach Triple-A El Paso with a .326/.410/.539 line in 24 games. Widely regarded as the game’s top catching prospect for his defense and contact-heavy bat, Salas adds left-handed balance for a Padres club in a tight playoff race. His exact playing time is uncertain and his promotion carries 40-man roster implications and rookie-status considerations for 2027, with potential future draft-pick incentives if he meets award criteria."
Rutschman Debuts for Red Sox as Rogers DFA’d
Adley Rutschman debuted for the Red Sox in Toronto, going 1-for-3 with two walks after missing about three weeks with left wrist inflammation and arriving eight days after a blockbuster trade with the Orioles; his presence behind the plate is expected to lift the lineup as Boston tries to snap its three-game skid, while Jake Rogers was designated for assignment.
Yankees Add Mitch Garver on Minor League Deal to Bolster Catcher Depth
The New York Yankees signed catcher Mitch Garver to a minor league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre with an opt-out later this month. Garver, 35, began the year with Seattle before being released, posting a .175/.302/.294 line in 149 plate appearances; his 2019–2023 production was strong (.250/.346/.508, 131 wRC+ with 75 HR in 1,242 PAs). In 2024–2026 he’s battled through a .185/.292/.333 line in 869 PAs. The move provides catching depth behind Austin Wells and Ali Sánchez, and Garver could be called up if Wells’ struggles persist.
Red Sox land Adley Rutschman in multi-player trade with Orioles
The Boston Red Sox acquired Adley Rutschman (and Jake Rogers) from the Orioles in exchange for Carlos Narváez, Anthony Eyanson, Kyson Witherspoon, Enddy Azocar and a potential PTBNL or cash, upgrading Boston’s catching as Rutschman returns from a wrist injury, while Baltimore replenishes its system and shifts Samuel Basallo to everyday catcher.
Red Sox land Adley Rutschman from Orioles in high-stakes AL East deadline trade
Boston acquired catcher Adley Rutschman from Baltimore ahead of the MLB trade deadline. A three-time All-Star and former No. 1 overall pick, Rutschman is under team control through 2027 and has posted a .764 OPS this season despite a wrist injury; he carries a $7.25 million salary for 2026 with arbitration eligible for 2027. The deal strengthens Boston’s catching and the team’s playoff push, while Baltimore added Basallo as a potential future option and moved other pieces like Dean Kremer and Taylor Ward.
Rays land Hicks in three-player swap to bolster catching behind the plate
The Miami Marlins traded catcher/first baseman Liam Hicks to the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-player package that also sends Brayden Taylor to Miami, with Adrian Santana and Jacob Kisting rounding out the return. Hicks, 27, has posted a .282/.363/.432 line with 14 homers in 409 plate appearances and is viewed as a potential long-term catching solution for Tampa Bay, a team that has shuffled at the position. The Rays’ catching duties have been filled by Nick Fortes and Hunter Feduccia, with Fortes producing solid numbers and Feduccia offering less offense. The move gives Tampa a potential offensive upgrade behind the plate while Miami retools its depth.
Rutschman Rumors Surge as Sox Seek Catcher Upgrade
The Red Sox and Orioles are reportedly nearing a deal for Adley Rutschman, with Boston pushing for a catcher upgrade and Baltimore weighing a short-term package as it stays competitive. The move hinges on a medical review because Rutschman has a left-wrist issue, and would clear the path for Samuel Basallo to become Baltimore’s everyday catcher. Rutschman is on a $7.25M salary and could earn around $10M next year in arbitration.
Orioles land Jake Rogers to shore up catching depth
Baltimore acquired catcher Jake Rogers from Detroit in exchange for minor league right-hander Zane Barnhart after Rogers was designated for assignment. The veteran backstop provides defensive upside and added depth behind Adley Rutschman or Eduardo Basallo, addressing a catching situation hampered by injuries to the Orioles’ top two catchers. Rogers is on a $3.05 million contract with about $1 million remaining this season; he hit .161 in 36 games this year and posted mixed defensive numbers, but could serve as a solid backup option if one of Baltimore’s catchers is sidelined.
White Sox Catcher Teel sidelined 6–12 weeks with left high-ankle sprain
Chicago placed catcher Kyle Teel on the 10‑day IL with a left high-ankle sprain, forecasting a 6–12 week absence and promoting Edgar Quero from the minors. Teel has endured multiple injuries this season and is hitting .190 with two homers in 70 plate appearances since being reinstated on June 22. With Teel out, Chicago may seek catching help or rely on Quero/Romo while prioritizing pitching upgrades as it contends in the AL Central.
Yankees Eye Lombard Jr. Debut as Judge Progresses in Rehab
Yankees GM Brian Cashman said Aaron Judge will undergo rib imaging during the All-Star Break with a return still possible this season, while the club pivots toward catcher upgrades and late bullpen help at the trade deadline; top prospect George Lombard Jr. is nearing a Triple-A return and could make his MLB debut later this season, providing an internal option if Judge’s recovery drags.
Yankees Poised to Be Active Buyers at Trade Deadline
With a commanding lead in the AL and what’s described as the best roster, the Yankees enter the trade deadline as obvious buyers, aiming to shore up catcher, high-leverage relief, and utility infield spots to maximize postseason chances.
White Sox Activate Kyle Teel, Refill Catcher Rotation
Kyle Teel has been activated from the White Sox’ 60-day injured list after hamstring and knee rehab and will rejoin the roster, with Edgar Quero optioned to Triple-A Charlotte to clear a spot; Teel, a former top prospect and centerpiece of the Garrett Crochet trade, is set to make his season debut as Chicago bets on improved catching and a playoff push ahead of a series with the division-leading Guardians.
Pirates trade Bart to Braves for bullpen depth, clearing catcher logjam
The Pirates sent catcher Joey Bart to the Atlanta Braves for right-hander Hunter Stratton, adding a controllable bullpen arm and easing a catcher logjam as Bart rehabs from a left-foot infection and is out of minor-league options; Stratton will report to Indianapolis and provides depth with a 3.75 career ERA in MLB and solid Triple-A numbers this year.