Adley Rutschman Left Off MLB Network’s Top 10 Catchers List - But Don’t Count Him Out
For the first time in years, Adley Rutschman’s name was nowhere to be found on MLB Network’s annual Top 10 catchers list. After claiming the top spot in 2024 and sliding to No. 2 in 2025, the Orioles backstop has now fallen completely off the radar in 2026. And while that might raise eyebrows across the league, especially in Baltimore, it’s far too early to write him off.
If The Shredder - MLB Network’s data-driven ranking system - is right, the Orioles could be in for a rough ride. Since Rutschman’s debut, no player has been more tightly linked to Baltimore’s success.
When he was rolling - from his rookie season through the first half of 2024 - the Orioles were the winningest team in the American League. His OPS stayed north of .800 during that stretch, and his presence behind the plate and in the lineup gave Baltimore a clear identity.
But since July 2024, things have shifted. Rutschman’s bat went quiet, and the Orioles followed suit. The team’s record dipped below .500 during his prolonged slump, and for the first time in his career, there are questions about whether he’s still among the game’s elite catchers.
Still, there’s more to the story - and plenty of reasons to believe a bounce-back is coming.
The Process Is Still There
Rutschman’s calling card has always been his plate discipline. He doesn’t chase, he doesn’t whiff, and he consistently ranks among the league’s best in both walk rate and strikeout rate.
That kind of approach doesn’t just vanish. Even during his recent struggles, Rutschman has remained a fixture near the top of the Orioles’ lineup - not because of reputation, but because his process remains sound.
Pitchers haven’t “figured him out.” There’s no glaring hole in his swing, no obvious mechanical flaw that’s been exposed.
He’s still working deep counts, still forcing opposing arms to come into the zone. In a league where strikeout rates are up and contact is down, that skill set remains incredibly valuable.
Line Drives Are the Key
When Rutschman is at his best, he’s spraying line drives all over the field. That’s been his offensive identity since day one.
For most of his career, his line drive rate hovered above 22% - a mark that typically places a hitter in the top 20 league-wide. But that number dipped to 20% in the second half of 2024, and fell even further to 17% in 2025.
That dropoff pushed him outside the top 200 in the league in line drive rate - a steep fall for a hitter who thrives on barreling the ball to all fields.
Now, it’s important to note: some of the game’s biggest stars - think Juan Soto, Shohei Ohtani, Fernando Tatis Jr. - have posted similar or even lower line drive rates. But those are power-first hitters with elite bat speed and home-run-heavy profiles.
Rutschman has pop, sure, but his offensive game is built on hard contact, not moonshots. When he’s peppering the gaps, he’s dangerous.
When he’s lifting too much or hitting the top half of the ball, his production dips.
A New Voice in the Dugout
Enter Craig Albernaz. The Orioles’ new manager has made it clear from day one: every hitter is different, and the coaching staff is committed to tailoring individualized plans to help each player reach their ceiling. That’s especially important for someone like Rutschman, whose success has always come from a balanced, disciplined approach rather than brute force.
If the new hitting staff can help Rutschman refocus on what made him special - line drives, plate control, and situational awareness - there’s every reason to believe he can return to form.
Health Could Be the X-Factor
Let’s not overlook the physical toll. Rutschman hit the injured list four separate times in 2025.
That’s a lot of stop-and-start, a lot of rehab and recovery, and not a lot of rhythm. For a catcher - already one of the most physically demanding positions in the sport - staying healthy is half the battle.
Now, with a clean slate heading into 2026, there’s optimism that Rutschman can finally stay on the field and get back to doing what he does best: anchoring a lineup, commanding a pitching staff, and leading a team that still has postseason aspirations.
The Verdict
So yes, MLB Network left Rutschman off the Top 10 list. And yes, his recent numbers don’t scream “elite.” But if you’re looking for a player with the tools, the mindset, and the track record to rebound in a big way, Rutschman fits the bill.
He’s not just a name on a list - he’s a tone-setter, a leader, and the kind of player whose impact goes far beyond the box score. The Orioles know it. And if he gets back to his old self in 2026, the rest of the league will be reminded in a hurry.