Baltimore Orioles: Adley Rutschman invokes memory of Matt Wieters

It is easy to compare Adley Rutschman and Matt Wieters. Both were the top catching prospect of their time, players that were expected to lead the Baltimore Orioles to the Promised Land once again.

The similarities did not end there. Rutschman made his major league debut on Saturday, which just so happened to be Wieters’ 36th birthday. To continue that comparison, Rutschman’s first major league hit was a triple, the same as Wieters’ first hit.

Baltimore Orioles similarities in Adley Rutschman and Matt Wieters

There was a time when Wieters was one of the top catchers in the game. He was a four time All Star during his time in Baltimore, winning two Gold Glove awards and earning MVP votes in 2012. Although he never quite became the player that the Orioles hoped for, he was a solid enough player before injuries sapped the pop from his bat.

While Wieters had an impressive start to his career, the Orioles have to be hoping for more from Rutschman. He certainly showed the potential to be a star during his time in the minors, putting together a .282/.391/.488 batting line in his 778 plate appearances, hitting 30 homers and 38 doubles.

Rutschman is not just an impressive bat. He also showed that he was ready with the glove as well, throwing out 31% of would-be base stealers in his minor league career. He had drawn plenty of praise for his ability to frame pitches and his respectable pop times behind the plate, even if his height would seemingly get in the way of his being a strong defensive catcher.

It is entirely possible that Rutschman ends up on a similar path as Wieters. He may not produce high home run totals, but his swing is tailor made for plenty of doubles. Chances are, he will top out in the mid 20s when it comes to home runs in any year. That profile sounds very similar to Wieters before injuries set in.

Adley Rutschman is the Baltimore Orioles’ best catching prospect since Matt Wieters. The connections between the two are already beginning.