Adley Rutschman Faces Critical 2026 Season After Recent Struggles

After a breakout 2022 rookie campaign, Adley Rutschman has seen his production decline, culminating in a difficult 2025 season where he hit .220/.307/.366 and was limited to 90 games due to oblique strains. Now 28 and two years from free agency, expectations for 2026 are mixed. Projections vary from a solid 4.7 fWAR season per ZiPS to a more modest outlook from Baseball Reference. The Orioles are looking for a bounce-back year from their former top draft pick to anchor the lineup.