The 2024 season was poised to be the one where Adley Rutschman cemented himself as the unquestioned top catcher in baseball. The former first overall pick had been on a linear path since his days at Oregon State, graduating from elite prospect to outstanding rookie, and then bonafide star. Another all-star season is all it would take for his reputation to be secured.
Everything was going to plan early on. Through June, Rutschman owned a .294/.350/.471 slash line with 15 home runs. He was on a path to set career highs in most offensive numbers, and even earned the starting nod for the AL in the upcoming Midsummer Classic.