The Baltimore Orioles signed 21-year-old catcher Samuel Basallo to an eight-year contract extension worth $67MM on Aug. 22, leaving catcher Adley Rutschman's future with Baltimore uncertain. The Orioles will likely listen to offers on Rutschman this winter, and Minnesota may attempt to acquire the two-time All-Star catcher from Baltimore.
Why would the Twins be interested in Adley Rutschman after the trade deadline fire sale?
Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers's contract ends after the 2026 season, while Rutschman's ends following the 2027 season. Granted, a lockout may occur in 2027, but if so, the Twins wouldn't have to pay Rutschman's salary in 2027 anyway.