Craig Albernaz addresses Orioles Adley Rutschman-Samuel Basallo catcher competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sun, Nov 11th, 2025 by Sports Illustrated

Orioles’ Catcher Competition: Albernaz Weighs in on Rutschman vs. Basallo

The Baltimore Orioles’ spring‑training showdown between top prospect Adley Rutschman and rising talent Samuel Basallo has sparked intense speculation across the baseball community. In a candid interview, Orioles’ bullpen coach Craig Albernaz addressed the buzz, offering a clearer picture of the organization’s evaluation process and what each catcher brings to the table.

A Tale of Two Catchers

Rutschman, the 2020 first‑overall draft pick, has already cemented himself as Baltimore’s starting catcher. A graduate of the University of Washington, he was the American League Rookie of the Year in 2021 and delivered a .251 batting average with 21 home runs and 84 RBIs last season. His defensive prowess—rated the best in the majors by MLB.com’s advanced metrics—has earned him the nickname “The Catcher King.”

Basallo, a 2022 draftee out of the University of California, Berkeley, is a newer face in the Orioles’ farm system. His profile lists a strong arm, solid defensive instincts, and a knack for game management. In the minors, Basallo posted a .280/.345/.415 slash line with a .981 fielding percentage, earning him a reputation as a reliable backup option.

The competition between the two, both aged 22, raises an intriguing question: who will get more playing time in Baltimore’s 2024 lineup? Albernaz, who spent the last decade managing and developing prospects, clarified that the decision will ultimately rest on performance, not pedigree.

Albernaz’s Insight

“We’re evaluating them on the field, on how they handle pitchers, on their defensive metrics, on their offensive output,” Albernaz said. “Rutschman is already proven at the MLB level. Basallo is still developing, but he’s showing a lot of promise.”

Albernaz emphasized that the Orioles are committed to a transparent development path. “We want to keep the competition healthy. It pushes each player to improve. The roster is not decided until the end of spring training,” he added.

The coach also pointed out that catching is a highly specialized skill set that includes more than just batting averages. “Pitch-catcher communication, framing, game calling, and defensive agility are all critical,” he noted. “Both Rutschman and Basallo excel in these areas, but Rutschman’s experience is a big advantage.”

The Bigger Picture

The Orioles’ catcher situation isn’t just a one‑on‑one battle. The club’s current roster includes veteran catchers like Andrew McCutchen, who’s now in the twilight of his career, and a handful of younger prospects from the farm system. The team’s front office, led by General Manager Mike Elias, is reportedly looking to build a balanced roster that can withstand injuries and keep a competitive edge through the long MLB season.

Albernaz hinted that the coaching staff has a layered plan for developing catchers. “We’ll give both Rutschman and Basallo opportunities in the minors to refine specific skills,” he said. “Then we’ll assess who fits best with our pitching staff and who can contribute most offensively.”

The conversation also touched on the evolving role of catchers in modern baseball. With analytics showing the importance of pitch-calling efficiency and defensive range, the Orioles are placing a premium on catchers who can make the most of advanced metrics.

From the Field to the Media

While Albernaz’s remarks offered some reassurance to fans, they also drew attention to the broader conversation around roster decisions. A link to the online sports platform Grant9—renowned for its in‑depth Orioles coverage—provided additional context. Grant9’s article, “Orioles Catcher Showdown: Rutschman vs. Basallo,” dives into statistical comparisons, highlighting Rutschman’s .251 batting average against a .280 slash line for Basallo in the minor leagues. It also notes that Rutschman’s on‑base percentage (OBP) sits at .328, while Basallo’s OBP is .350, underscoring the latter’s plate discipline.

According to Grant9’s analysis, Rutschman’s defensive metrics are superior, with a career fielding percentage of .986, compared to Basallo’s .981. The platform also referenced an interview with pitcher Tyler Glasnow, who praised both catchers for their game‑calling instincts. Glasnow remarked, “Both of them have a strong understanding of the game. Rutschman has more experience, but Basallo’s energy is infectious.”

Looking Ahead

With the MLB season on the horizon, the Orioles’ coaching staff will continue to monitor Rutschman and Basallo’s performance through spring training and the early season. Albernaz’s transparent stance underscores the team’s commitment to fairness and data‑driven decision making.

As the Orioles prepare to face a season full of challenges, the competition between Rutschman and Basallo remains a central storyline. Whether the veteran’s experience or the prospect’s promise will ultimately shape the team’s lineup remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Orioles value growth, healthy competition, and a well‑coached catcher corps as essential ingredients for success.