It’s never too late for award season in MLB.
Most of the individual accolades have been already handed out: the Managers of the Year, Rookies of the Year, Cy Young, and MVP winners are all public by now.
There was one major recognition missing, though: the All-MLB First and Second Teams.
The Baltimore Orioles, the best team in the American League during the regular season with 101 wins, have two players on the All-MLB First Team and one on the All-MLB Second Team.
The best and most consistent catcher in baseball, Adley Rutschman, took home an All-MLB First-Team spot.
“The Best Catcher in Baseball! Adley Rutschman takes home 2023 #AllMLB First Team honors,” MLB tweeted.
The Best Catcher in Baseball! Adley Rutschman takes home 2023 #AllMLB First Team honors. pic.twitter.com/BQ7qrp25Uw
— MLB (@MLB) December 17, 2023
Closer Felix Bautista joined him there, and starter Kyle Bradish was a member of the Second Team.
The All-MLB Team members are chosen by fans and a panel of experts, with 50% of the vote each.
Rutschman definitely did enough to earn his place among the greatest.
Not only did he manage a young Orioles rotation and bullpen to perfection, but he was also a star at the plate, offensively.
He hit .277/.374/.435 with 20 home runs, 80 RBI, and an .809 OPS.
He also logged 92 walks, 31 doubles, and 84 runs scored.
Those numbers are excellent for a normal hitter, now imagine them on a young catcher with the responsibility of learning the repertoire and tendencies of their own pitchers and also opposing hurlers.
What he has done for the Orioles in just two seasons has been nothing short of amazing.
One of these years, the O’s will challenge for a World Series title and Rutschman will be a big reason why.
NEXT: Young Orioles Star Reveals His Goals For 2024