Orioles owner punts on Adley Rutschman extension 5 years ahead of time

Orioles owner John Angelos shared his honest thoughts on the state of Adley Rutschman’s contract.

The Baltimore Orioles started 2023 on the right note, winning a 10-9 game over the Red Sox at Fenway Park. One of the biggest highlights of that win was a home run by former top prospect Adley Rutschman on a 2-0 fastball from Corey Kluber in his first at-bat.

It was a step in the right direction for the O’s, as they look to be in playoff contention in a stacked American League East division.

Local Baltimore sports Radio Outlet ‘105.7 The Fan’ had Orioles owner John Angelos on the show ‘Inside Access with Jason LaCanfora and Ken Weinman‘ to discuss the Opening Day win and the state of the Orioles.

He explained how he wants to model the Orioles around teams like the Rays, Brewers, Diamondbacks. He was reluctant to answer the questioning, first crediting the deserving GM Mike Elias and Manager Brandon Hyde, turning the Orioles farm system from No. 25 to No. 1 in a relatively short time period. He then explained how they feel they are financially disadvantaged, stating that they can be outbid in MLB due to their small market status, unlike other sports like the NFL.

Angelos says that the plan for Elias and Hyde is to stay within their system.

“They’re going to do what they can within the system that they’re in,” Angelos said. “Does that mean extensions? Absolutely, I would hope so. But you gotta go with the system you’re in.”

It sounds like the Orioles are already punting on an Adley Rutschman extension

As the O’s are currently in a leasing battle with the city of Baltimore, it is a valid point to say that they are in a financial problem.

However, in this situation, they should be taking an example from one of the teams Angelo models his team after in the Diamondbacks, being proactive and signing Corbin Carroll to a long-term extension.

Even with their financial conundrum, it’s hard to argue that signing your franchise player to a long-term extension would not fit in their system.

With more development of top prospects, this Orioles team, which came in 4th place in total profit in 2022, would very well be in good shape extending Adely, and other franchise cornerstones such as Gunnar Henderson, who already have made a Major League impact for the O’s.

The Orioles currently stands 29th in total payroll at $53MM. As a major league baseball franchise, this shows a lack of competitive ownership, and a clear unwillingness to spend. It has become a common trend in Baltimore, and fans have already shown unrest with the front office.