In partnership with
Skip the ads and stay ahead of every Nationals fan. Unlock exclusive insights and coverage with a Nats Report+ subscription today.
The best marketing ideas come from marketers who live it.
That’s what this newsletter delivers.
The Marketing Millennials is a look inside what’s working right now for other marketers. No theory. No fluff. Just real insights and ideas you can actually use—from marketers who’ve been there, done that, and are sharing the playbook.
Every newsletter is written by Daniel Murray, a marketer obsessed with what goes into great marketing. Expect fresh takes, hot topics, and the kind of stuff you’ll want to steal for your next campaign.
Because marketing shouldn’t feel like guesswork. And you shouldn’t have to dig for the good stuff.
According to The Athletic’s MLB insider Jim Bowden, the Washington Nationals have entered the fray in the search for catching depth. Bowden reports that the Nationals have joined the Rays, Padres, Astros, Brewers, and Rangers in making calls to improve their depth at the position.
So, who’s drawing the most attention? Bowden notes that the teams receiving the most inquiries about catchers include: Orioles All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman
The Washington Nationals are in the midst of defining an identity for their next competitive core, and a bold move at catcher could become a franchise-altering play. As reports swirl around the league, All-Star Adley Rutschman is the name that keeps surfacing as the “apple” of everyone’s eye. Here’s why Rutschman would be a game-changer behind the plate for Washington.
Defensive Mastery: The Foundation Washington Needs
Rutschman is widely lauded for elite defensive skills—his pitch framing, blocking, and game management are respected league-wide. General Manager Mike Rizzo has candidly stressed that Washington needs to upgrade its defensive approach at catcher, especially in controlling the opposition’s running game and guiding a young rotation. Adding Rutschman’s steady hand would immediately impact daily preparation, on-field execution, and the growth of a developing pitching staff.
While Rutschman faced some injury setbacks in 2025, he is still among the majors’ most potent offensive catchers. His rare switch-hitting profile brings balanced power and on-base skills from both sides of the plate—traits that have eluded the Nationals’ current platoon of Keibert Ruiz, Riley Adams, and Drew Millas. Rutschman’s established track record in meaningful games for the Orioles suggests he could help anchor a Nats lineup in dire need of middle-order production.
Optimizing the Nationals’ Rebuild
The Nationals are not just looking for incremental improvement; they’re seeking a cornerstone player who can mentor, lead, and raise the franchise’s ceiling. Rutschman’s playoff experience and maturity set him apart as a culture builder, capable of integrating into Washington’s young core and elevating the bar for their future stars. Even after extending Keibert Ruiz, the opportunity to bring in a talent like Rutschman signals a willingness to accelerate the club’s timeline and inject leadership into the roster.
Trade Realities: High Cost, Higher Reward
The Orioles insist they aren’t actively shopping Rutschman, but the market is heating up as several contenders browse for top-tier catchers. With Baltimore’s next wave pushing for major league time, and Rutschman’s value peaking, a creative Nationals trade package—possibly involving premium prospects—could force the Orioles’ hand. For Washington, the process would be expensive, but the impact could realign their organizational trajectory.
Conclusion
Adley Rutschman represents both the short-term solution and the long-term vision the Nationals crave behind the plate. With his spectacular defense, switch-hitting ability, and leadership qualities, he isn’t just another trade target—he’s the type of player around whom a franchise can build. For Washington, landing Rutschman could be transformational, making him truly the apple of the Nationals’ eye.