The Red Sox' pursuit of a catcher is reportedly over as they land the switch-hitting catcher from Baltimore.
The Boston Red Sox have reportedly made their first move of trade deadline day, as, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan, they have acquired switch-hitting catcher Adley Rutschman from the Baltimore Orioles. According to Jacob Calvin Meyer of the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles will receive catcher Carlos Narvaez along with Boston's top two pitching prospects, Anthony Eyanson and Kyson Witherspoon, outfielder Enddy Azocar (No. 6 in Boston org), and a player to be named later.
According to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox will also receive catcher Jake Rogers and cash in the deal.
About Rutschman
The 28-year-old switch-hitting backstop is in his fifth major league season after being selected by Baltimore with the first overall pick of the 2019 draft out of Oregon State.
In 67 games in 2026, Rutschman is hitting .251/.331/.433/.764 with eight home runs and 47 RBI en route to his third All-Star nod. He has been on the 10-day injured list since July 20 with left wrist inflammation, though, according to Jake Rill of MLB.com, Baltimore President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias told reporters he would resume hitting on Saturday with a chance to head out on a rehab assignment in the coming days.
Jul 3, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Adley Rutschman (35) reacts after hitting a ground-rule double in the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Katie Stratman-Imagn ImagesRutschman is among the best hitters in baseball at limiting strikeouts, ranking in the 78th percentile with a 25.1 percent chase rate; his 15.8 percent whiff rate ranks in the 91st percentile, resulting in an only 14.1 percent strikeout rate, which would be the 20th-lowest rate if he qualified.
Overall, Rutschman has been a relative disappointment compared to expectations, hitting .254/.342/.414/.756 with 69 home runs, 122 doubles, and 277 RBI. The 28-year-old has been limited to 157 games over the last two years thanks to a litany of injuries.
Defensively, Rutschman is among the best defensive catchers in baseball, particularly in controlling the run game, catching 14 of 34 runners stealing. His five caught steals above average is tied for the best mark in baseball. His framing falls in the 93rd percentile.
Jun 3, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcherAdleyRutschman(35) and field coordinator/catching coach Joe Singley (87) walk to the bullpen before the start of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. David Butler II-Imagn ImagesThe 28-year-old is owed roughly $2.25 million for the rest of the 2026 season and is under team control through the 2027 season.
About Narvaez
After being acquired by Boston ahead of the 2025 season, Narvaez looked to be the catcher of the future in Boston, hitting .241/.306/.419/.726 while providing strong defense behind the plate.
Jul 24, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Aroldis Chapman (44) and catcherCarlosNarvaez(75) celebrate after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Eric Canha-Imagn ImagesIt has been an underwhelming sophomore season though for the 27-year-old though as he has struggled to a .187/.260/.275/.535 slash line in only 62 games, while losing playing time to Connor Wong and, at times, Mickey Gasper.
About Eyanson
The Red Sox selected Eyanson in the third round of the 2025 MLB Draft out of Louisiana State University. After spending the remainder of the 2025 season in the Red Sox pitching lab in Ft. Myers, the 21-year-old made his professional debut in 2026 with High-A Greenville, immediately cementing his claim as one of the best pitching prospects in the sport.
Jun 16, 2025; Omaha, Neb, USA; LSU Tigers starting pitcher Anthony Eyanson (24) throws against the UCLA Bruins during the first inning at Charles Schwab Field. Steven Branscombe-Imagn ImagesAfter just five starts in High-A in which he allowed only one run in 20.1 innings while striking out nearly 50 percent of the batters faced, the Red Sox promoted Eyanson to Double-A Portland.
In 48 innings with the Sea Dogs, the right-hander has continued his dominant stretch, posting a 1.69 ERA while holding batters to a .172 batting average over 11 appearances (10 starts).
He is currently the No. 34 prospect in baseball, per Baseball America.
About Witherspoon
May 31, 2024; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners pitcher Kyson Witherspoon (26) throws a pitch during the first inning of an NCAA Division I Baseball Championship game between the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles and the Oklahoma Sooners at L. Dale Mitchell Park. Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY SportsThe 21-year-old right-hander was the Red Sox' first-round selection in the 2025 draft out of the University of Oklahoma. It has been an up-and-down first professional season for Witherspoon, as he has posted a 4.78 ERA in 75.1 innings while struggling with walks and the home run ball. He has, however, looked better as of late, posting a 3.77 ERA over his last three starts.
Witherspoon is currently the No. 98 prospect in baseball according to Baseball America.
About Azocar
After entering the season as the No. 15 prospect in the Boston organization according to SoxProspects.com, the 19-year-old outfielder was one of the biggest risers in the system in 2026.
In 85 games with Single-A Salem and High-A Greenville, Azocar hit .286/.341/.540/.881 with 18 home runs and 27 doubles, while providing strong defense in centerfield.
About Rogers
Detroit Tigers catcherJakeRogers(34) bats against the Athletics during the second inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectThe 31-year-old catcher will join his third team in 2026 after being traded to the Orioles by the Detroit Tigers on July 30. In 37 games he has hit .163/.270/.296/.565 while providing below average defense behind the plate.
The MLB Trade Deadline is Monday at 6:00 p.m. ET.
