Buck Showalter, the former manager of the Baltimore Orioles, has come to the defense of Adley Rutschman, the team’s young catcher, after his disappointing performance in the second half of the 2024 season. Showalter believes that Rutschman’s struggles are a normal part of his development and that he will bounce back stronger. “Don’t bet against this kid,” Showalter said in an interview. “The best development of players happens in the offseason sometimes … Adley Rutschman is fine. He’s going to be a good player for a long time, and he will figure this out. He’ll be better as the result of some of the struggles” ¹.
Rutschman’s second-half slump, where he batted .207/.282/.303 with only three home runs and 33 strikeouts in 58 games, had fans worried about his future with the team. However, Showalter’s vote of confidence is a reassuring sign that the 26-year-old catcher still has a bright future ahead of him. Despite the Orioles’ postseason struggles, Rutschman’s potential and work ethic make him a key player to watch in the upcoming season.
The Orioles are looking to make significant improvements in the offseason, and Rutschman’s growth will be crucial to the team’s success. With Showalter’s endorsement, fans can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that Rutschman has the support of a seasoned manager who believes in his abilities. As the Orioles head into the offseason, all eyes will be on Rutschman to see how he responds to his struggles and proves himself as a top catcher in the league ¹.
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