As the MLB trade deadline approaches on Monday, the Baltimore Orioles are exploring options involving star catcher Adley Rutschman, but one potential landing spot appears largely to be off the table: the Los Angeles Dodgers.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Orioles have discussed Rutschman with multiple teams while examining all possibilities.
Several clubs, including the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers, and Los Angeles Dodgers, have been linked to a need for catching help this summer.
Yet Feinsand quickly tempered expectations regarding the Dodgers specifically.
“Regarding the Dodgers’ inclusion on that list, it’s unlikely they would make a move for someone like Rutschman,” he reported. “Will Smith’s health seems to be moving in the right direction, but when it comes to the Dodgers, it’s naive to ever overlook them in any scenario.”
That assessment effectively rules the Dodgers out as a realistic trade partner for the Orioles’ All-Star backstop. Los Angeles already features Will Smith as its primary catcher, and Dalton Rushing has been catching in his stead.
Smith’s recent health progress reduces any urgency for the club to pursue a high-profile upgrade behind the plate, particularly one who would command a substantial prospect package in return.
Rutschman, a former No. 1 overall pick and one of the premier catchers in the game, remains under team control for several more seasons. Moving him would represent a seismic shift for Baltimore, which has built its recent contention window around young talent like him.
Any deal would require significant return value—something the Dodgers, with a healthy Smith and organizational depth that includes players such as Dalton Rushing, appear unwilling or unnecessary to provide at this stage.
The timing adds intrigue. With the deadline only days away, speculation will continue to swirl around Rutschman and other available catchers. Contending teams seeking offensive and defensive stability at the position may still engage Baltimore. But Feinsand’s reporting makes clear that the Dodgers should not be considered among the serious suitors.
Los Angeles has shown a willingness to make aggressive moves in past deadlines, often surprising the industry. Feinsand’s caveat—that it is “naive to ever overlook them”—acknowledges that history. Still, the current outlook points strongly against a Rutschman acquisition.
Smith’s improving health status removes the primary motivation, leaving the Dodgers focused elsewhere as they prepare for the final stretch of the regular season and another postseason run.
For Orioles fans and trade-deadline watchers, the focus now shifts to the other clubs on Feinsand’s list. Whether Baltimore ultimately decides to deal its franchise catcher remains to be seen.
What appears increasingly certain is that any potential destination will not include the defending National League powerhouse from Los Angeles.
