MLB Analyst believes Adley Rutschman has everything that it takes to reach the upper echelons in the major league - "he's the face of the Orioles"

Adley Rutschman became a breakout star in 2022, not only for the Baltimore Orioles but for the entire league. He finished second on the MLB Rookie of the Year voting list and, in fact, had some backing from analysts and fans to finish in the top 15 of the AL MVP votes.

As per MLB Network analyst Mike Lowell:

"Is Adley Rutschman, Cal Ripken Jr.? ... I think, right now he's the face of the Baltimore Orioles. He could be one of the faces of baseball."

"Who will be the next young star locked into a big contract? MLBTonight discusses a couple players who could be future faces of their franchises" - MLBNetwork

The Orioles would have been in a postseason position last season if Adley Rutschman hadn't been injured at the start of the season. Anthony Bemboom and Robinson Chirinos, who shared time at the plate in the first 40 games of the season, hit.130/.233/.214.

Baltimore could have easily won the final two games required to secure a third Wild Card slot if those games had instead gone to Rutschman.

"ADLEY RUTSCHMAN PICKING THEM UP AND PUTTING THEM DOWN, FIRST MAJOR LEAGUE HIT IS A TRIPLE" - barstoolsports

When the Baltimore Orioles selected the 24-year-old Rutschman with the first overall pick in the 2019 draft, it was predicted that he would become a star. Parallels to Buster Posey were drawn everywhere, and they didn't stop as he raced to the top of Baseball America's rankings for 2022.

Adley Rutschman is in line to become the league's best player/catcher

Rutschman's offensive output was 33% higher than the league average last season thanks to his 133 wRC+. But that takes into account all batters. The blemish stands out much more when we focus on other catchers. During the 2017 season, 34 catchers amassed at least 250 plate appearances. Rutschman took the lead with a 133 wRC+.

"Adley Rutschman is the Orioles MVP for 2022. In 111 games since being called up in May, the rookie has a team-leading .809 OPS and his work behind the dish has been invaluable. The Orioles are 53-38 when he catches (.582). He has, without doubt, been the catalyst for change" - DanClarkSports

Any non-pitching or designated hitter (DH) position demands a blend of offense and defense to be the best. Catcher is a premium position where the best of the best excel at both but are few and far between.

Rutschman recorded the second-most defensive runs saved (DRS) among catchers in '22 in 762 innings behind the plate. He trailed only Jose Trevino (21), despite playing the fewest innings of anyone in the top five.