Adley Rutschman on Orioles’ adding Pete Alonso, his health, outlook for ’26

SARASOTA—Adley Rutschman had a painful and disappointing 2025 season. Because of two oblique strains, one on each side, Rutschman was limited to 90 games, and hit only .220 with a .673 OPS, nine home runs and 29 RBIs.

The Orioles’ 28-year-old catcher spoke with the local media on Wednesday. Here are highlights:

Q: What did you think of the Orioles signing Pete Alonso?

Rutschman: “He’s a phenomenal player. I only got a chance to talk to him during the Home Run Derby in ’23. Very talented. Excited to get to know him.”

Q: What can Pete Alonso add to this lineup?

Rutschman: “Obviously, he’s a veteran hitter. He knows what he’s doing in the box, has a great approach. I think the guys can learn a lot from him, excited to have him in the clubhouse and get to know him more, see his personality. From what I’ve heard, it’s all great things, and he’s going to add a lot.”

Q: With Alonso here and other moves, do you think this is a better team than the one that you finished with last season?

Rutschman: “I believe that they made some really good moves in the offseason. I know everyone is very optimistic going into this year. I think we have a very talented squad. It’s on us to go out and produce.”

Q: You had an injury-marred season last year. What was the focus of this offseason?

Rutschman: “A lot of it was trying to make sure I’m healthy. First year being on the IL, nothing worse than that. Just going through the offseason trying to make sure we’re checking all the boxes, things that we can do, not only during the offseason, but making a plan during the season … At least doing all that I can to stay healthy, learning from last year.”

Q: How big a year is this for you and the Orioles?

Rutschman: “It’s huge. There’s no time like the present. That’s the thing about baseball. You only get one year with the squad that you have in his locker room right now. Everyone knows that time in baseball is limited. Whether it’s 15 years or five years or one year in the big leagues, you get a finite amount of time, and I think everyone here just wants to make the most of that.

“Everyone loves each other in the locker room, so I think there’s a sense of urgency, especially after last year to make sure we’re checking those boxes and taking the next step.”

Q: What’s your confidence level in the starting rotation? (Interview was conducted before Orioles reached agreement on a one-year deal with Chris Bassitt.)

Rutschman: “I have a ton of confidence in our guys. I think our rotation, our staff is great. Obviously, with last year, injuries are just something sometimes you can’t see or predict. It’s out of your control. I’m just praying that our guys are able to stay healthy because I think we’ve got a really good squad right now.”

Q: What are your expectations for Samuel Basallo? What kind of a tandem can you be?

Rutschman: “I’ve gotten a chance with Sammy to talk to him during spring trainings. Even rehabbing and stuff like that, I feel like we’ve been around each other quite a bit, so I’ve gotten a chance to talk with him, get to know him. It doesn’t feel like this is going to be a totally new thing.

“I’m really excited for him. He’s unbelievably talented. I think he’s a very kind person and just like a good heart. I’m really excited for this year with him.”

Q: What do you think about the team’s new player development complex?

Rutschman: “Looks sweet, man. We’ve got new coaching staff, new building. I think everyone’s figuring out, ‘this is how the schedule’s going to be.’

“It’s all very exciting. They did a great job with the layout of it, the hitting facility, the conference rooms. I know guys are really excited about it. Just trying to get a feel for it right now.”

Q: What’s your opinion of manager Craig Albernaz?

Rutschman: “High praises from everyone that I’ve talked to about him and from my conversations with him, it’s been great so far. When everyone’s talking highly about you, you don’t really have to do your own inquisition. He’s a good dude, and he’s a great coach.”

Q: Albernaz has a catching background. Can that help you?

Rutschman: “I’m biased towards catchers. I think catchers are the best. I already had faith in him from that standpoint. I’ve heard great things about him coming from the catching background. I think he knows his stuff.”

Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com.