Overview

• Baltimore’s eight-year, $67 million extension with Samuel Basallo, which includes escalators to $88.5 million and a 2034 option, has heightened questions about Adley Rutschman’s role.
• Rosenthal said, “You cannot give up on Adley Rutschman,” and cautioned that Basallo’s big-league defense remains unproven.
• Rutschman’s 2025 line (.227, 9 HR, .683 OPS in 85 games) contrasts with Statcast indicators, including a .338 xwOBA and a career-best 89.8 mph average exit velocity, following a left oblique strain.
• Bleacher Report’s rankings positioned the Giants as the top potential landing spot, listed the Tigers at No. 5, and floated a Cubs mock deal involving Javier Asaad and Jaxon Wiggins.
• No trade has occurred, and multiple outlets suggest Rutschman would draw strong offseason interest with a likely extension discussion for any acquiring team.