The Orioles' catcher, Adley Rutschman, has undergone a significant transformation in his catching stance, with a notable shift from having both knees up to having his right knee down. This change has had a profound impact on his defensive abilities, with a 31% caught-stealing rate, the highest since his rookie season in 2022. Rutschman's new stance, which he has been working on since Spring Training with the help of the Orioles' new coaching staff, has allowed him to improve his throwing accuracy and footwork, resulting in a 97th percentile ranking in framing. This transformation is a testament to Rutschman's willingness to adapt and improve his game, even as an established big leaguer. The Orioles' new field coordinator/catching coach, Joe Singley, has played a crucial role in this change, helping Rutschman unlock his full potential behind the plate. This shift in stance is a fascinating example of how a small change in technique can have a significant impact on a player's performance, and it will be interesting to see how it continues to evolve and benefit the Orioles' defense.
