Catchers remain one of the most important positions in baseball.
Until the moment in which the automated strike zone arrives, they will be in charge of stealing strikes from the umpire via quality framing in addition to all the things they usually do: preparing and calling games, communicating with pitchers and learning their repertoires, blocking, throwing, and hitting.
A good, young catcher is every franchise’s dream.
The Baltimore Orioles definitely have one in Adley Rutschman.
Rutschman was one of the main reasons why the team’s fate turned around for the better in 2022.
Now, he is being ranked as the best player at his position for 2024 by Joel Reuter of B/R Walk-Off.
The best behind the plate @JoelReuterBR pic.twitter.com/XEX1j5vp4l
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) March 11, 2024
Rutschman is a fantastic defensive catcher.
He excels at all the aforementioned activities and is a phenomenal hitter, unlike the vast majority of catchers around the league.
In 2023, he slashed a cool .277/.374/.435 with 20 home runs, 84 runs, 80 RBI, 92 walks, and an .809 OPS.
Most of his value, however, is on the intangibles: the way he carries his pitching staff and gives them confidence to succeed is unique.
There hasn’t been a single negative thing reported about Rutschman because he knows how to handle himself and he seems like a genuinely good guy.
The fact he claims the first spot on the list ahead of the young, but more experienced Will Smith and Sean Murphy is impressive.
With Rutschman leading the charge, the young, impressive Orioles have everything in place to be true contenders for years to come, not just 2024.
The post Adley Rutschman Takes Home Elite 2024 Preseason Honor appeared first on The Cold Wire.