Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman is determined to move on from 2024 and focus on the future.
Despite earning his second All-Star selection, Rutschman endured a challenging season. Various injuries, including lower-back discomfort and a foul ball to his right hand, likely played a role in his struggles, as he hit just .207 with three home runs in the second half.
Rutschman’s struggles continued into October, as he went just 1-for-8 in Baltimore’s Wild Card Round loss to the Kansas City Royals.
“You’re just pissed off for months,” Rutschman told the Baltimore Banner.
Baltimore finished the second half with a .500 record at 33-33, as their lineup struggled without Rutschman’s power and consistent hitting, particularly in key situations with runners in scoring position.
Kansas City edged out Baltimore with 1-0 and 2-1 victories in the two-game sweep. The Royals’ pitching staff stifled the Orioles’ offense, allowing just 11 hits across both games.
“Getting beat is terrible,” Rutschman said. “It’s the worst feeling as a player.”
“There’s plenty of fuel in just wanting to win,” he continued, “but there’s also the added hatred of losing.”
In hindsight, the Orioles were on the verge of toppling the Royals. Had they advanced, they might have had a shot at taking down their division rival, the New York Yankees, in the ALDS.
The Orioles haven’t won a playoff series since their 2014 ALCS appearance. A healthy Rutschman will be crucial for Baltimore as they look to avoid another letdown in a winnable American League.
Oddsmakers seem optimistic about the Orioles’ prospects. The FanDuel Sportsbook has set their odds at +275 to win the American League East (bet $100 to win $375) and +600 to capture the pennant.
Baltimore ranks second only to the Yankees in both categories, which is impressive considering they were just four seasons removed from a 52-110 record.
